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Review
. 2017 Oct 18:11:581.
doi: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00581. eCollection 2017.

Integration of Descending Command Systems for the Generation of Context-Specific Locomotor Behaviors

Linda H Kim  1   2 , Sandeep Sharma  1   3 , Simon A Sharples  1   2 , Kyle A Mayr  1   2 , Charlie H T Kwok  1   3 , Patrick J Whelan  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Integration of Descending Command Systems for the Generation of Context-Specific Locomotor Behaviors

Linda H Kim et al. Front Neurosci. .

Abstract

Over the past decade there has been a renaissance in our understanding of spinal cord circuits; new technologies are beginning to provide key insights into descending circuits which project onto spinal cord central pattern generators. By integrating work from both the locomotor and animal behavioral fields, we can now examine context-specific control of locomotion, with an emphasis on descending modulation arising from various regions of the brainstem. Here we examine approach and avoidance behaviors and the circuits that lead to the production and arrest of locomotion.

Keywords: approach; aversion; descending; goal-directed; locomotor behavior; supraspinal.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Key areas of the brain discussed in the review. The brain areas are included here have diverse functions in addition to modulating locomotion. Sagittal view of representative locations of locomotor centers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Active nuclei in the mouse brain following a decision or trigger from a surveillance state. (A) Representation of an animal's decision process during a surveillance state. In this example a mouse encounters an aversive trigger (B top, predatory threat) activating nuclei associated with avoidance behaviors (C). Main nuclei active here are: Striatum, Amygdala, Superior colliculi, etc. On the bottom (B) the mouse encounters an appetitive trigger of food/cheese activating nuclei associated with approach behaviors (D).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic diagram of the currently known descending connectivity of appetitive (approach) locomotor control. (Complementary to Figure 2D. Some connections omitted for lack of data or complexity of connectivity). Weighted arrows represent complex connectivity between regions described in further detail in text. Ascending connectivity has been omitted for clarity.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic diagram of the currently known descending connectivity of defensive (avoidance) locomotor control. (Complementary to Figure 2C. Some connections omitted for lack of data or complexity of connectivity). Ascending connectivity has been omitted for clarity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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