Figure 2:
A number of key structures within the brainstem are integrated into a network to produce REM sleep, and alterations in their activities may occur in RBD. Cholinergic signals from the LDT and PPT activating the PRF and MRF lead to cardinal features of REM sleep. The SLD contains neurons that are highly active in REM sleep, and contribute to muscle atonia via signals to the spinal cord (layer VII) and the VMM. MRF: mesencephalic reticular formation; LDT: laterodorsal tegmentum; PPT: pedunculopontine tegmentum; PRF: pontine reticular formation; SLD: sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus; VMM: Ventromedial medulla