A Brainstem reticulotegmental neural ensemble drives acoustic startle reflexes

Weiwei Guo, Sijia Fan, Dan Xiao, Hui Dong, Guangwei Xu, Zhikun Wan, Yuqian Ma, Zhen Wang, Tian Xue, Yifeng Zhou, Yulong Li and Wei Xiong ()
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Weiwei Guo: University of Science and Technology of China
Sijia Fan: University of Science and Technology of China
Dan Xiao: University of Science and Technology of China
Hui Dong: Peking University School of Life Sciences
Guangwei Xu: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhikun Wan: University of Science and Technology of China
Yuqian Ma: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhen Wang: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Tian Xue: University of Science and Technology of China
Yifeng Zhou: University of Science and Technology of China
Yulong Li: Peking University School of Life Sciences
Wei Xiong: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The reticulotegmental nucleus (RtTg) has long been recognized as a crucial component of brainstem reticular formation (RF). However, the function of RtTg and its related circuits remain elusive. Here, we report a role of the RtTg in startle reflex, a highly conserved innate defensive behaviour. Optogenetic activation of RtTg neurons evokes robust startle responses in mice. The glutamatergic neurons in the RtTg are significantly activated during acoustic startle reflexes (ASR). Chemogenetic inhibition of the RtTg glutamatergic neurons decreases the ASR amplitudes. Viral tracing reveals an ASR neural circuit that the cochlear nucleus carrying auditory information sends direct excitatory innervations to the RtTg glutamatergic neurons, which in turn project to spinal motor neurons. Together, our findings describe a functional role of RtTg and its related neural circuit in startle reflexes, and demonstrate how the RF connects auditory system with motor functions.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26723-9

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