Evidence for brainstem structures participating in oculomotor integration.

K Nakamagoe; Y Iwamoto; K Yoshida

doi:10.1126/science.288.5467.857

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PubMed · 10797008

Evidence for brainstem structures participating in oculomotor integration.

K Nakamagoe·Y Iwamoto·K Yoshida

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Abstract

The cerebellar flocculus has been implicated in vestibulo-oculomotor control. One major central input to this structure originates from brainstem cells in the paramedian tract (PMT), whose function is unknown. Here it is reported that PMT cells in the pons carry vestibular and eye movement signals and their pharmacological inactivation produces a leaky integrator combined with vestibular imbalance. The results suggest that PMT cells provide the cerebellum with sensory and motor signals that are essential for velocity-to-position integration, a common premotor process that is required in all motor systems.

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Action Potentials Animals Cats Cerebellum Electric Stimulation Eye Movements Fixation, Ocular GABA Agonists Light Muscimol Neural Pathways Neurons Nystagmus, Physiologic Pons Saccades Vestibular Nerve Vestibular Nuclei Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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K Nakamagoe, Y Iwamoto, K Yoshida. 2000-05-05. Evidence for brainstem structures participating in oculomotor integration.. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.288.5467.857

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