 |
 Previous Article | Next Article 
Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 7, 2537-2546, Copyright © 1987 by Society for Neuroscience
Stepping behaviors in chronic spinal cats with one hindlimb deafferented
CA Giuliani and JL Smith
Adult cats develop spontaneous airstepping (walking motions without ground
contact) 4-6 weeks after spinal transection (Giuliani and Smith, 1985).
This unique preparation provides an in vivo model for studying the effects
of hindlimb deafferentation on stepping behaviors without rostral input to
lumbosacral segments. The primary purpose of this study was to characterize
airstepping and, to a lesser extent, bipedal treadmill locomotion in
chronic spinal cats after deafferentation. Five cats were spinalized at
T12, and EMG electrodes were implanted in selected knee and ankle muscles.
After spontaneous airstepping developed, one hindlimb was deafferented
extensively. Movements of both hindlimbs were depressed following
unilateral deafferentation. By the third week, spontaneous airstepping
recovered in the normal hindlimb (N- Limb), but in the deafferented limb
(D-Limb) airstepping was not spontaneous during the 3-4 months of testing.
By the seventh week, bilateral airstepping was facilitated by tonic
exteroceptive simulation (tail-pinch). During bouts of bilateral
airstepping, assessed during the third month of deafferentation, D-Limb
airstep cycles were characterized by erratic rhythm. Further, cycle periods
and extensor burst durations were prolonged, but flexor burst durations
were unmodified. In contrast, N-Limb cycles were rhythmic and of normal
duration, but extensor burst durations were short and unrelated to cycle
periods. Interlimb coordination was markedly unstable, showing only brief
periods of alternating steps. When erratic bilateral airstepping was
accompanied by micturition, rhythmic and alternate stepping emerged, with
normalized intralimb synergies. During hindlimb treadmill locomotion,
tested in 2 cats, the N-Limb took weight-bearing steps and followed changes
in the belt speed. The D-Limb, however, stepped erratically, making contact
on the dorsum of the paw; consistent bouts by bilateral stepping were not
obtained. Lumbosacral afference of some type, either from the hindlimb or
from regions remote from the limb, such as the bladder, appears to be
essential for stabilizing the coupling between hindlimb generators for
stable interlimb coordination. Future modeling of interlimb coordination
should consider the role of afference.
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
|
|
 
S. Rossignol, R. Dubuc, and J.-P. Gossard
Dynamic Sensorimotor Interactions in Locomotion
Physiol Rev,
January 1, 2006;
86(1):
89 - 154.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. S. Reisman, H. J. Block, and A. J. Bastian
Interlimb Coordination During Locomotion: What Can be Adapted and Stored?
J Neurophysiol,
October 1, 2005;
94(4):
2403 - 2415.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
V. C. K. Cheung, A. d'Avella, M. C. Tresch, and E. Bizzi
Central and Sensory Contributions to the Activation and Organization of Muscle Synergies during Natural Motor Behaviors
J. Neurosci.,
July 6, 2005;
25(27):
6419 - 6434.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Langlet, H. Leblond, and S. Rossignol
Mid-Lumbar Segments Are Needed for the Expression of Locomotion in Chronic Spinal Cats
J Neurophysiol,
May 1, 2005;
93(5):
2474 - 2488.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
L.J.G. Bouyer and S. Rossignol
Contribution of Cutaneous Inputs From the Hindpaw to the Control of Locomotion. II. Spinal Cats
J Neurophysiol,
December 1, 2003;
90(6):
3640 - 3653.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. A. Kautz, D. A. Brown, H.F.M. Van der Loos, and F. E. Zajac
Mutability of Bifunctional Thigh Muscle Activity in Pedaling due to Contralateral Leg Force Generation
J Neurophysiol,
September 1, 2002;
88(3):
1308 - 1317.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
L. H. Ting, S. A. Kautz, D. A. Brown, and F. E. Zajac
Contralateral Movement and Extensor Force Generation Alter Flexion Phase Muscle Coordination in Pedaling
J Neurophysiol,
June 1, 2000;
83(6):
3351 - 3365.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B.M.H. van Wezel, B.G.M. van Engelen, F.J.M. Gabreels, A.A.W.M. Gabreels-Festen, and J. Duysens
Abeta Fibers Mediate Cutaneous Reflexes During Human Walking
J Neurophysiol,
May 1, 2000;
83(5):
2980 - 2986.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. C. Field-Fote
Spinal Cord Control of Movement: Implications for Locomotor Rehabilitation Following Spinal Cord Injury
Physical Therapy,
May 1, 2000;
80(5):
477 - 484.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Duysens, F. Clarac, and H. Cruse
Load-Regulating Mechanisms in Gait and Posture: Comparative Aspects
Physiol Rev,
January 1, 2000;
80(1):
83 - 133.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. M. Macpherson and J. Fung
Weight Support and Balance During Perturbed Stance in the Chronic Spinal Cat
J Neurophysiol,
December 1, 1999;
82(6):
3066 - 3081.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
