Cross-modal enhancement of defensive behavior via parabigemino-collicular projections.

ABSTRACT: Effective detection and avoidance from environmental threats are crucial for animals' survival. Integration of sensory cues associated with threats across different modalities can significantly enhance animals' detection and behavioral responses. However, the neural circuit-level mechanisms underlying the modulation of defensive behavior or fear response under simultaneous multimodal sensory inputs remain poorly understood. Here, we report in mice that bimodal looming stimuli combining coherent visual and auditory signals elicit more robust defensive/fear reactions than unimodal stimuli. These include intensified escape and prolonged hiding, suggesting a heightened defensive/fear state. These various responses depend on the activity of the superior colliculus (SC), while its downstream nuc

SUBMITTER: Peng B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11373540 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature