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Efferent projections of Nps -expressing neurons in the parabrachial region
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Efferent projections of Nps -expressing neurons in the parabrachial region

Richie Zhang, Dake Huang, Silvia Gasparini and Joel C. Geerling
bioRxiv
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
08/15/2023
DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.13.553140
PMCID: PMC10462015
PMID: 37645772
url
https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.13.553140View
Preprint (Author's original)This preprint has not been evaluated by subject experts through peer review. Preprints may undergo extensive changes and/or become peer-reviewed journal articles. Open Access

Abstract

In the brain, connectivity determines function. Neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) relay diverse information to widespread brain regions, but the connections and functions of PB neurons that express Nps (neuropeptide S) remain mysterious. Here, we use Cre-dependent anterograde tracing and whole-brain analysis to map their output connections. While many other PB neurons project ascending axons through the central tegmental tract, NPS axons reach the forebrain via distinct periventricular and ventral pathways. Along the periventricular pathway, NPS axons target the tectal longitudinal column and periaqueductal gray then continue rostrally to target the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Along the ventral pathway, NPS axons blanket much of the hypothalamus but avoid the ventromedial and mammillary nuclei. They also project prominently to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, A13 cell group, and magnocellular subparafasciular nucleus. In the hindbrain, NPS axons have fewer descending projections, targeting primarily the superior salivatory nucleus, nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, and periolivary region. Combined with what is known about NPS and its receptor, the output pattern of Nps -expressing neurons in the PB region predicts a role in threat response and circadian behavior.

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