Description:

Neurons of the mesencephalic locomotor region were originally identified based on their capability to induce locomotion. Until recently, they were thought to constitute one of the relay stations of the basal ganglia output. In particular, neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) have been considered to be major recipients of basal ganglia projections in the midbrain and their aberrant activity in Parkinson's disease is believed to explain some of the motor symptoms of the disease. By mapping the connectivity of PPN neurons, however, we have determined that most of their axons have ascending projections that target basal ganglia structures, and only a minor proportion of PPN neurons have descending connectivity with lower motor systems. The PPN contains large populations of intermingled glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons with ascending and descending projections, but their contributions to basal ganglia function have not been fully elucidated. Using anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral approaches we have identified specialized neuronal subpopulations within the PPN that modulate the striatal output by means of converging mechanisms, and shape different aspects of motor behavior. I will present our most recent data that support a role for PPN neurons in gating motor behavior.

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