Nps-Expressing Neurons Receive Extensive Input From Auditory Brainstem Nuclei

Richie Zhang; Silvia Gasparini; Joel C Geerling

doi:10.1002/cne.70156

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Nps-Expressing Neurons Receive Extensive Input From Auditory Brainstem Nuclei

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Nps-Expressing Neurons Receive Extensive Input From Auditory Brainstem Nuclei

Richie Zhang, Silvia Gasparini and Joel C Geerling

Journal of comparative neurology (1911), Vol.534(4), e70156

04/2026

DOI: 10.1002/cne.70156

PMID: 41957684

Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access

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Abstract

Neurons that express Nps send output to brain regions implicated in circadian function and threat responses, but less is known about the afferent control of these neurons. In this study, we used a sensitive retrograde tracer, cholera toxin beta subunit (CTb), to identify afferents to the rostral-lateral parabrachial region that contains the main concentration of Nps-expressing neurons. We then used Cre-dependent rabies retrograde tracing in Nps-2A-Cre mice to identify inputs to Nps-expressing neurons within this region. These neurons receive heavy input from auditory brainstem structures, including the inferior colliculus, ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, superior olivary complex, and cochlear nucleus. Due to a discrepancy between sparse rabies and prominent CTb labeling extending from the ipsilateral insular to auditory areas of the cerebral cortex, we also performed anterograde labeling and found many close contacts between cortical boutons and Nps-expressing neurons. These findings suggest an unexpected role for auditory information in controlling the activity of Nps-expressing neurons and add to existing evidence suggesting that rabies is relatively insensitive to retrograde labeling of cortical afferents.

Animals

Auditory Pathways - cytology

Auditory Pathways - metabolism

Brain Stem - cytology

Brain Stem - metabolism

Cholera Toxin - metabolism

Male

Mice

Mice, Inbred C57BL

Mice, Transgenic

Nerve Tissue Proteins - genetics

Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism

Neurons - cytology

Neurons - metabolism

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Nps-Expressing Neurons Receive Extensive Input From Auditory Brainstem Nuclei
Creators: Richie Zhang - University of Iowa
Silvia Gasparini - University of Iowa
Joel C Geerling - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of comparative neurology (1911), Vol.534(4), e70156
DOI: 10.1002/cne.70156
PMID: 41957684
NLM abbreviation: J Comp Neurol
ISSN: 0021-9967
eISSN: 1096-9861
Publisher: Wiley
Grant note: NIH R01 NS130038 / NIH HHS NIH T35 HL166206 / NIH HHS NIH K08 NS099425 / NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 04/2026
Academic Unit: Neurology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Record Identifier: 9985153527802771

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