Primitive Roles for Inhibitory Interneurons in Developing Frog Spinal Cord

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1633-04.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-06-23T18:38:21Z
• Authors: W.-C. Li; Shin-ichi Higashi...; D. M. Parry; Alan Roberts; S. R. Soffe
• Keywords: Interneuron; engrailed; Nerve net

Understanding the neuronal networks in mammal spinal cord is hampered by diversity of neurons and their connections. The simpler developing lower vertebrates may offer insights into basic organization. To investigate function inhibitory interneurons Xenopus tadpoles, paired whole-cell recordings were used. We show directly that one class interneuron, with distinctive anatomy, produces glycinergic, negative feedback inhibition can limit firing motoneurons central pattern generator during swimming. These same also produce gating sensory pathways This discovery raises possibility some classes distinct functions later development, differentiate from an earlier which these are shared. Preliminary evidence suggests express transcription factor engrailed, supporting a probable homology zebrafish engrailed have very similar anatomy functions.