Multimodal convergence in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus: Motor, sensory and theta‐frequency inputs influence activity of single neurons

• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16367
• Publication Date: 2024-05-03T04:05:14Z
• Authors: Xiaodong Lu; Jeffery R. Wickens; Brian Ian Hyland
• Keywords: Forelimb; Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus; Motor Control; Pedunculopontine nucleus

Abstract The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus of the brainstem (PPTg) has extensive interconnections and neuronal‐behavioural correlates. It is implicated in movement control sensorimotor integration. We investigated whether single neuron activity freely moving rats correlated with components skilled forelimb movement, individual neurons respond to both motor sensory events. found that PPTg showed changes firing rate at different times during reach. This type temporally specific modulation like seen elsewhere voluntary circuits, such as cortex, suggests neural related events occurring In particular, many neuronal modulations were time‐locked end extension phase reach, when fine distal movements food grasping occur, indicating strong engagement this movements. addition, some brief periods apparent oscillatory theta range phases reach‐to‐grasp movement. When movement‐related tested tone stimuli, also responded auditory input, allowing for integration cellular level. Together, these data extend concept an integrative structure generation complex movements, by showing function extends highly coordinated reach grasp motor‐related information converges on neurons, direct