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      Distribution of Networks Generating and Coordinating Locomotor Activity in the Neonatal Rat Spinal Cord In Vitro : A Lesion Study

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      The Journal of Neuroscience
      Society for Neuroscience
      5-HT, NMDA, neonatal rat, spinal cord, locomotion, central pattern generator

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          Abstract

          The isolated spinal cord of the newborn rat contains networks that are able to create a patterned motor output resembling normal locomotor movements. In this study, we sought to localize the regions of primary importance for rhythm and pattern generation using specific mechanical lesions. We used ventral root recordings to monitor neuronal activity and tested the ability of various isolated parts of the caudal thoracic-lumbar cord to generate rhythmic bursting in a combination of 5-HT and NMDA. In addition, pathways mediating left/right and rostrocaudal burst alternation were localized. We found that the isolated ventral third of the spinal cord can generate normally coordinated rhythmic activity, whereas lateral fragments resulting from sagittal sections showed little or no rhythmogenic capability compared with intact control preparations. The ability to generate fast and regular rhythmic activity decreased in the caudal direction, but the rhythm-generating network was found to be distributed over the entire lumbar region and to extend into the caudal thoracic region. The pathways mediating left/right alternation exist primarily in the ventral commissure. As with the rhythmogenic ability, these pathways were distributed along the lumbar enlargement. Both lateral and ventral funiculi were sufficient to coordinate activity in the rostral and caudal regions. We conclude that the networks organizing locomotor-related activity in the spinal cord of the newborn rat are distributed.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          J Neurosci
          J. Neurosci
          jneuro
          jneurosci
          J. Neurosci
          The Journal of Neuroscience
          Society for Neuroscience
          0270-6474
          1529-2401
          15 September 1996
          : 16
          : 18
          : 5777-5794
          Affiliations
          [ 1 ]Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Medical Physiology, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
          Article
          PMC6578971 PMC6578971 6578971
          10.1523/JNEUROSCI.16-18-05777.1996
          6578971
          8795632
          bf10086c-39f2-4fac-94b2-73946e4a41f6
          Copyright © 1996 Society for Neuroscience
          History
          : 17 January 1996
          : 17 June 1996
          : 20 June 1996
          Categories
          Articles

          NMDA,neonatal rat,central pattern generator,5-HT,locomotion,spinal cord

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