Different subtypes of motor cortex pyramidal tract neurons projects to red and pontine nuclei

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.