Key result
Optogenetic excitation of the mesencephalic locomotor region to rostral ventrolateral medulla pathway elicits locomotor and cardiovascular responses, whereas its inhibition suppresses these activities during voluntary running.
Why the study?
Exercise requires autonomic cardiovascular adjustments to meet muscle metabolic demands, but the functional brain architecture underlying these adjustments remains unknown.
Demonstrates a subcortical monosynaptic pathway (MLR to RVLM) that transmits central command signals to drive both locomotor activities and sympathetic cardiovascular responses during exercise.
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Identifies a brainstem circuit for exercise cardiovascular coupling in rodents; leaves open translation to human physiology or disease.
Koba et al. (2022) studied this question. Optogenetic stimulation/inhibition of MLR to RVLM pathway vs. Control (eYFP/palGFP) or baseline was evaluated on Locomotor activities and sympathetic cardiovascular responses. Optogenetic excitation of the mesencephalic locomotor region to rostral ventrolateral medulla pathway elicits locomotor and cardiovascular responses, whereas its inhibition suppresses these activities during voluntary running.
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