A translational study on looming-evoked defensive response and the underlying subcortical pathway in autism

LP (Lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus) MBA:218 projects to BLA (Basolateral amygdalar nucleus) MBA:295 · Mouse

CTB-488 injected into BLA retrogradely labelled neurons in LP. VPA mice had fewer labelled BLA-projecting LP neurons than saline mice.

Fig. 4a,c

Made by an AI model reading the paper (claude-opus-5-5, extract@0.3.0); a second AI model (claude-opus-5-5) agrees.

MB (Midbrain) MBA:313 synapses onto LP (Lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus) MBA:218 · Mouse

With helper AAV (TVA and rabies glycoprotein) in LP and EnvA-pseudotyped ΔG rabies in BLA, starter BLA-projecting LP neurons transsynaptically labelled presynaptic SC neurons. Labelled SC cell numbers were lower in VPA mice than in saline controls.

Fig. 3a-d

Made by an AI model reading the paper (claude-opus-5-5, extract@0.3.0); a second AI model (claude-opus-5-5) disagrees. “The subject is mapped to the whole midbrain (MBA:313), but the paper specifically means the superior colliculus, which has its own term.”

MB (Midbrain) MBA:313 projects to LP (Lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus) MBA:218 · Mouse

CTB-488 injected into LP retrogradely labelled SC neurons. Fewer labelled LP-projecting SC neurons were found in VPA mice than in saline mice.

Fig. 4b,d

Made by an AI model reading the paper (claude-opus-5-5, extract@0.3.0); a second AI model (claude-opus-5-5) disagrees. “The subject is coded as midbrain (MBA:313) rather than the superior colliculus the paper actually labelled, though the CTB evidence itself fits.”