Reversible Disorganization of the Locomotor Pattern after Neonatal Spinal Cord Transection in the Rat

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-05-01924.2003
• Publication Date: 2018-04-04T20:45:28Z
• Authors: Jean-Chrétien Nor...; Jean-François Pfl...; Edouard Pearlstein; Juliette Simeoni-...; François Clarac; Laurent Vinay
• Keywords: Lumbar Spinal Cord; Reciprocal inhibition

The central pattern generators (CPGs) for locomotion, located in the lumbar spinal cord, are functional at birth rat. Their maturation occurs during last few days preceding birth, a period which first projections from brainstem start to reach enlargement of cord. goal present study was investigate effect suppressing inputs supraspinal structures on CPGs, shortly after their formation. cord transected thoracic level [postnatal day 0 (P0)]. We examined postnatal week capacity CPGs produce rhythmic motor activity two complementary experimental conditions. Left and right ankle extensor muscles were recorded vivo airstepping, ventral roots vitro pharmacologically evoked fictive locomotion. Mechanical stimulation tail elicited long-lasting sequences airstepping neonates only steps sham-operated rats. In experiments made simultaneously sham animals confirmed increased excitability spinalization. A left-right alternating locomotor observed P1-P3. Both types showed that disorganized P6-P7, alternation lost. Alternation restored activation serotonergic 5-HT(2) receptors vivo. These results suggest descending pathways, particular projections, control strength reciprocal inhibition therefore shape neonatal