Medial pontine reticular formation

The medial pontine reticular formation is a part of the human brain located in the pons of the brainstem. It plays a critical function in the generation of REM sleep.

Role in REM sleep

GABAergic neurons of the MPRF are activated by Acetylcholine, and in turn activate cells in the basal forebrain — namely the Dorsal raphe nucleus and the Locus coeruleus. This activation will stimulate cortical activity, which is characteristic of the low amplitude / high frequency EEG patterns observed during REM sleep. As well, lesions of the MPRF will cause a great decrease of REM sleep.