Ancient midbrain inhibitory neurons control selective spatial attention

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe neural circuit mechanisms for the control of selective visuospatial attention remain elusive. Here, in mice, we demonstrate that a relatively unknown, but evolutionarily conserved group of parvalbumin-positive inhibitory neurons in the mammalian midbrain, called the pLTN (periparabigeminal lateral tegmental nucleus), controls target selection and distractor suppression for spatial attention. Selectively inactivating pLTN in mice performing a human-like visuospatial attention task (flanker task) makes mice hyper-distractible, impairing accuracy (and perceptual sensitivity) of the target amidst distractors. It also impairs the reliability (categorical nature) of target selection. These deficits occur without affecting perceptual sensitivity to the target presented singly, motor plan selection, or task-related orienting behaviors. The behavioral results are consistent with pLTN’s action on the midbrain sensorimotor hub, the superior colliculus. We thus establish pLTN as a dedicated midbrain seat for the control of selective spatial attention.