The spinal network coordinating locomotion in the lamprey serves as a model system, in which it has been possible to elucidate connec- tivity and cellular mechanisms using the isolated spinal cord. Locomotor burst activity alternates between the left and right side of a segment through reciprocal inhibition. We have recently shown that the burst generation itself in a hemisegment does not require inhibitory mechanisms. The focus of this study is the intrinsic operation of this hemisegmental burst-generating component of the locomotor network. Brief electrical stimulation (0.3 s) of the hemicord evokes long-lasting bouts (2 min) of bursts (2–15 Hz) in the mid to high-frequency range of locomotion. Bout release is an all-or-none phenomenon requiring a threshold intensity of stimulation and glutamatergic transmission within a population of excitatory interneurons, with axons extending over several segments. The progressive activity- dependent decrease in burst frequency that takes place during a bout is followed by a slow recovery process lasting 20 min. Intracellular recordings of single motoneurons, excitatory interneurons, and inhibitory interneurons show that locomotor bouts, in general, are accompanied by a marked depolarization. Membrane potential oscillations and spikes occur in phase with the ventral root (VR) bursts. Active motoneurons and interneurons fire one spike per VR burst, as also confirmed by axonal recordings. Thus, the reciprocal inhibition between opposite hemisegments in the intact cord not only ensures left–right alternation and lowers the locomotor frequency but also promotes a shift from single to multiple action potentials per cycle in network neurons.

Mechanisms of rhythm generation in a spinal locomotor network deprived of crossed connections: the lamprey hemicord

CANGIANO, LORENZO;
2005-01-01

Abstract

The spinal network coordinating locomotion in the lamprey serves as a model system, in which it has been possible to elucidate connec- tivity and cellular mechanisms using the isolated spinal cord. Locomotor burst activity alternates between the left and right side of a segment through reciprocal inhibition. We have recently shown that the burst generation itself in a hemisegment does not require inhibitory mechanisms. The focus of this study is the intrinsic operation of this hemisegmental burst-generating component of the locomotor network. Brief electrical stimulation (0.3 s) of the hemicord evokes long-lasting bouts (2 min) of bursts (2–15 Hz) in the mid to high-frequency range of locomotion. Bout release is an all-or-none phenomenon requiring a threshold intensity of stimulation and glutamatergic transmission within a population of excitatory interneurons, with axons extending over several segments. The progressive activity- dependent decrease in burst frequency that takes place during a bout is followed by a slow recovery process lasting 20 min. Intracellular recordings of single motoneurons, excitatory interneurons, and inhibitory interneurons show that locomotor bouts, in general, are accompanied by a marked depolarization. Membrane potential oscillations and spikes occur in phase with the ventral root (VR) bursts. Active motoneurons and interneurons fire one spike per VR burst, as also confirmed by axonal recordings. Thus, the reciprocal inhibition between opposite hemisegments in the intact cord not only ensures left–right alternation and lowers the locomotor frequency but also promotes a shift from single to multiple action potentials per cycle in network neurons.
2005
Cangiano, Lorenzo; Grillner, S.
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/98115
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 34
  • Scopus 93
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 92
social impact