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The Journal of Neuroscience, June 1, 1998, 18(11):4295-4304
Identification, Localization, and Modulation of Neural Networks
for Walking in the Mudpuppy (Necturus Maculatus) Spinal
Cord
Jianguo
Cheng,
Richard B.
Stein,
Ksenija
Jovanovi ,
Ken
Yoshida,
David J.
Bennett, and
Yingchun
Han
Division of Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada T6G 2S2
We tested the hypothesis that the neural networks for walking in
the mudpuppy can be divided into a flexor and an extensor center, each
of which contains collections of interneurons localized in the vicinity
of their motoneuron pools. Combining a battery of techniques, we
identified and localized the elbow flexor center and its motoneuron
pool in the C2 segment and the elbow extensor center and its motoneuron
pool in the C3 segment. Rhythmic flexion or extension of the limb in
isolation could be induced by continuous trains of current pulses of
the C2 or C3 segments, respectively. Independent activation could also
occur after application of glutamate receptor agonist NMDA. Part of
segment C2 in isolation generated rhythmic elbow flexor bursts, whereas
part of segment C3 in isolation generated rhythmic elbow extensor
bursts. An isolated region spanning the C3 roots generated both flexor
and extensor bursts. The step cycle was modulated in a phase-dependent
manner by stimulation of the dorsal roots, the ventral roots, or either
of the two centers. The effects of ventral root stimulation were
removed by deafferentation to block reafferent input attributable to
muscle contraction induced by the stimulation. We conclude that the
neural networks for walking contain at least a flexor and an extensor
generator that are localized in close apposition to the motoneuron
pools, that the two centers can work independently despite the fact
that there are reciprocal inhibitory interconnections between them, and
that sensory input interacts with the spinal neural networks to reset
the ongoing walking rhythm in a phase-dependent manner.
Key words:
spinal cord; neural networks; locomotion; resetting; flexor center; extensor center; rhythmicity; deafferentation
Copyright © 1998 Society for Neuroscience 0270-6474/98/18114295-10$05.00/0
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