The authors show that inhibitory neurons of the pontine reticular formation (PRF) exert powerful control over the intralaminar thalamic nuclei, a major gate of forebrain motor centers. Optogenetic activation of inhibitory PRF terminals antagonizes voluntary movements and promotes slow cortical oscillations, highlighting the contribution of brainstem ascending projections to large-scale motor circuits.
- Kristóf Giber
- Marco A Diana
- László Acsády