A non-image-forming visual circuit mediates the innate fear of heights in male mice

Wei Shang, Shuangyi Xie, Wenbo Feng, Zhuangzhuang Li, Jingyan Jia, Xiaoxiao Cao, Yanting Shen, Jing Li, Haibo Shi, Yiran Gu, Shi-Jun Weng, Longnian Lin, Yi-Hsuan Pan () and Xiao-Bing Yuan ()
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Wei Shang: East China Normal University
Shuangyi Xie: East China Normal University
Wenbo Feng: East China Normal University
Zhuangzhuang Li: Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jingyan Jia: East China Normal University
Xiaoxiao Cao: East China Normal University
Yanting Shen: East China Normal University
Jing Li: East China Normal University
Haibo Shi: Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Yiran Gu: East China Normal University
Shi-Jun Weng: Fudan University
Longnian Lin: East China Normal University
Yi-Hsuan Pan: East China Normal University
Xiao-Bing Yuan: East China Normal University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract The neural basis of fear of heights remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the fear response to heights in male mice and observed characteristic aversive behaviors resembling human height vertigo. We identified visual input as a critical factor in mouse reactions to heights, while peripheral vestibular input was found to be nonessential for fear of heights. Unexpectedly, we found that fear of heights in naïve mice does not rely on image-forming visual processing by the primary visual cortex. Instead, a subset of neurons in the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), which connects to the lateral/ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (l/vlPAG), drives the expression of fear associated with heights. Additionally, we observed that a subcortical visual pathway linking the superior colliculus to the lateral posterior thalamic nucleus inhibits the defensive response to height threats. These findings highlight a rapid fear response to height threats through a subcortical visual and defensive pathway from the vLGN to the l/vlPAG.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48147-x

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