Role for serotonergic neurons of the parapyramidal region in the control of locomotion revealed using chemogenetic activation in Tph2-cre driver rats
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Date
2018
Authors
Armstrong, Katrina
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Abstract
Several brainstem regions are necessary to provide transmission of a descending signal to motor networks within the lower the limbs. The Parapyramidal region (PPR) within the ventrolateral medulla appears to play an important but yet unspecified role in locomotion. The recent advent of DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) has allowed for non-invasive in vivo manipulation of neurons. DREADDs were stereotaxically injected into the PPR using adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs). After a recovery period, rats were tested in both voluntary (open field) and fictive locomotion experiments to evaluate motor activity after administration of the DREADD actuator. Immunohistochemical detection confirmed DREADDs within the PPR. Locomotor activity increased significantly (172%) after DREADD activation during open field locomotor testing. With electrical stimulation, burst duration was significantly increased (174%) in flexor hindlimb nerves. Chemogenetic activation of the PPR seems to facilitate hindlimb motor output but specific effects on fictive locomotion were inconclusive.
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Keywords
Serotonin, Locomotion, Parapyramidal region