Brainstem projections to molecular layer heterotopia of the cerebellar vermis: Evidence from the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Database

Abstract

Molecular layer heterotopia of the cerebellar vermis are a characteristic feature of C57BL/6 mice. Heterotopia consist of neurons and glia in the molecular layers between folia VIII and IX in regions lacking pia. Previously, we described the cellular composition of heterotopia which includes granule cells, Purkinje cells, Golgi cells, etc. However, the axonal constituents and afferent connections of these malformations remain poorly understood. In the present report axonal projections to heterotopia are documented from diverse brainstem nuclei such as the spinal vestibular nucleus, dorsal cochlear nucleus, and nucleus prepositus. These findings are relevant toward understanding the mechanisms of normal and abnormal cerebellar development and the establishment of cerebellar circuits.PeerJ PrePrints | http://dx.doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.562v1 | CC-BY 4.0 Open Access |