Abstract
The Medial Septum and diagonal Band of Broca (MSDB) was initially studied for its role in locomotion. However, the last several decades were focussed on its intriguing function in theta rhythm generation. Early studies relied on electrical stimulation, lesions and pharmacological manipulation, and reported an inconclusive picture regarding the role of the MSDB circuits. Recent studies using more specific methodologies have started to elucidate the differential role of the MSDB’s specific cell populations in controlling both theta rhythm and behaviour. In particular, a novel theory is emerging showing that different MSDB’s cell populations project to different brain regions and control distinct aspects of behaviour. While the majority of these behaviours involve movement, increasing evidence suggests that MSDB-related networks govern the motivational aspect of actions, rather than locomotion per se. Here, we review the literature that links MSDB, theta activity, and locomotion and propose open questions, future directions, and methods that could be employed to elucidate the diverse roles of the MSDB-associated networks.
Highlights
Movement, and above all locomotion, is essential for most species’ survival: we move to reach a specific place, receive a reward, flee from a predator or attack prey
Medial Septum and diagonal Band of Broca has received substantial attention from the field, mainly due to the fact that its lesion or inhibition leads to the abolishment of theta rhythm in the HPC
While early studies emphasised the role of Medial Septum and diagonal Band of Broca (MSDB) in locomotion, this aspect of its function has been somewhat neglected in the last years or solely indirectly studied in relation to the theta rhythm
Summary
Above all locomotion, is essential for most species’ survival: we move to reach a specific place, receive a reward, flee from a predator or attack prey. Tracing studies (Fuhrmann et al, 2015; Agostinelli et al, 2017; Zhang et al, 2018) have shown that MSDB VGluT2+ neurons project to different brain areas: the HPC, the LHb, POA, the paraventricular (PVH), lateral (LH), and posterior (PH) hypothalamic nuclei, the SUM, the VTA, the NI, and the raphe nucleus.
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