Introduction: Pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) are fundamental elements for motor control. However, it is largely unknown if PTNs are segregated into different subtypes with distinct characteristics. Methods: Using anatomical and electrophysiological tools, we analyzed in mice motor cortex PTNs projecting to red and pontine midbrain nuclei, which are important hubs connecting cerebral cortex and cerebellum playing a critical role in the regulation of movement. Results: We reveal that the vast majority of M1 neurons projecting to the red and pontine nuclei constitutes different populations. Corticopontine neurons have higher conduction velocities and morphologically, a most homogeneous dendritic and spine distributions along cortical layers. Discussion: The results indicate that cortical neurons projecting to the red and pontine nuclei constitute distinct anatomical and functional pathways which may contribute differently to sensorimotor integration.
CITATION STYLE
Lopez-Virgen, V., Olivares-Moreno, R., de Lafuente, V., Concha, L., & Rojas-Piloni, G. (2022). Different subtypes of motor cortex pyramidal tract neurons projects to red and pontine nuclei. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2022.1073731
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