Pontine Reticular Formation

2022-01-25 links: Neuroanatomy Reticular Formation reference:

Pontine Reticular (Formation) #

• The paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF) is involved in the corrdination of eye movements. Activity of excitatory burst neuronsgenerate a pulse that generates saccades; the larger pulse the faster the saccade.

  • It would follow that this region actually contributes to the generation of REM.

• Endogenous Acetylcholine release is significantly greater during REM than NREM or wakefulness.

  • GABA inhibits REM, while Glutamatergic and Cholinergic trannsmission here interact synergisticaly to potentiate catalepsy (fixity of posture).
    • NMDAR antagonism decreases acetylcholine release, disrupting breathing. R

• Activation of A2A herein increases time needed to recover from anesthesia, increases Acetylcholine release, thus increasing amount of time spent in REM, but also even in NREM.

• Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl decrease Adenosine levels in the PRF and disrupt REM.