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S Grillner

Publications and source records attributed to S Grillner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Activity of reticulospinal neurons during locomotion in the freely behaving lamprey.

The reticulospinal (RS) system is the main descending system transmitting commands from the brain to the spinal cord in the lamprey. It is responsible for initiation of locomotion, steering, and equilibrium control. In the present study, we characterize the commands that are sent by the brain to the spinal cord in intact animals via the reticulospinal pathways during locomotion. We have developed a method for recording the activity of larger RS axons in the spinal cord in freely behaving lampreys by means of chronically implanted macroelectrodes. In this paper, the mass activity in the right and left RS pathways is described and the correlations of this activity with different aspects of locomotion are discussed. In quiescent animals, the RS neurons had a low level of activity. A mild activation of RS neurons occurred in response to different sensory stimuli. Unilateral eye illumination evoked activation of the ipsilateral RS neurons. Unilateral illumination of the tail dermal photoreceptors evoked bilateral activation of RS neurons. Water vibration also evoked bilateral activation of RS neurons. Roll tilt evoked activation of the contralateral RS neurons. With longer or more intense sensory stimulation of any modality and laterality, a sharp, massive bilateral activation of the RS system occurred, and the animal started to swim. This high activity of RS neurons and swimming could last for many seconds after termination of the stimulus. There was a positive correlation between the level of activity of RS system and the intensity of locomotion. An asymmetry in the mass activity on the left and right sides occurred during lateral turns with a 30% prevalence (on average) for the ipsilateral side. Rhythmic modulation of the activity in RS pathways, related to the locomotor cycle, often was observed, with its peak coinciding with the electromyographic (EMG) burst in the ipsilateral rostral myotomes. The pattern of vestibular response of RS neurons observed in the quiescent state, that is, activation with contralateral roll tilt, was preserved during locomotion. In addition, an inhibition of their activity with ipsilateral tilt was clearly seen. In the cases when the activity of individual neurons could be traced during swimming, it was found that rhythmic modulation of their firing rate was superimposed on their tonic firing or on their vestibular responses. In conclusion, different aspects of locomotor activity-initiation and termination, vigor of locomotion, steering and equilibrium control-are well reflected in the mass activity of the larger RS neurons.

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Roles of high-voltage-activated calcium channel subtypes in a vertebrate spinal locomotor network.

Lamprey spinal cord neurons possess N-, L-, and P/Q-type high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channels. We have analyzed the role of the different HVA calcium channels subtypes in the overall functioning of the spinal locomotor network by monitoring the influence of their specific agonists and antagonists on synaptic transmission and on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-elicited fictive locomotion. The N-type calcium channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) depressed synaptic transmission from excitatory and inhibitory interneurons. Blocking L-type and P/Q-type calcium channels with nimodipine and omega-agatoxin, respectively, did not affect synaptic transmission. Application of omega-CgTx initially decreased the frequency of the locomotor rhythm, increased the burst duration, and subsequently increased the coefficient of variation and disrupted the motor pattern. These effects were accompanied by a depression of the synaptic drive between neurons in the locomotor network. Blockade of L-type channels by nimodipine also decreased the frequency and increased the duration of the locomotor bursts. Conversely, potentiation of L-type channels increased the frequency of the locomotor activity and decreased the duration of the ventral root bursts. In contrast to blockade of N-type channels, blockade or potentiation of L-type calcium channels had no effect on the stability of the locomotor pattern. The P/Q-type calcium channel blocker omega-agatoxin IVA had little effect on the locomotor frequency or burst duration. The results indicate that rhythm generation in the spinal locomotor network of the lamprey relies on calcium influx through L-type and N-type calcium channels.

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Postural control in the lamprey: A study with a neuro-mechanical model.

The swimming lamprey normally maintains the dorsal-side-up orientation due to activity of the postural control system driven by vestibular organs. Commands for postural corrections are transmitted from the brain stem to the spinal cord mainly by the reticulospinal (RS) pathways. As shown in previous studies, RS neurons are activated by contralateral roll tilt, they exhibit a strong dynamic response, but much weaker static response. Here we test a hypothesis that decoding of these commands in the spinal cord is based on the subtraction of signals in the left and right RS pathways. In this study, we used a neuro-mechanical model. An intact lamprey was mounted on a platform that restrained its postural activity but allowed lateral locomotor undulations to occur. The activity in the left and right RS pathways was recorded by implanted electrodes. These natural biological signals were then used to control an electrical motor rotating the animal around its longitudinal axis toward the stronger signal. It was found that this "hybrid" system automatically stabilized a normal orientation of the lamprey in the gravitational field. The system compensated for large postural disturbances (lateral tilt up to +/-180 degrees ) due to wide angular zones of the gravitational sensitivity of RS neurons. In the nonswimming lamprey, activity of RS neurons and their vestibular responses were considerably reduced, and the system was not able to stabilize the normal orientation. However, the balance could be restored by imposing small oscillations on the lamprey, which elicited additional activation of the vestibular organs. This finding indicates that head oscillations caused by locomotor movements may contribute to postural stabilization. In addition to postural stabilization, the neuro-mechanical model reproduced a number of postural effects characteristic of the lamprey: 1) unilateral eye illumination elicited a lateral tilt ("dorsal light response") due to a shift of the equilibrium point in the vestibular-driven postural network; 2) removal of one labyrinth resulted in a loss of postural control due to an induced left-right asymmetry in the vestibulo-reticulospinal reflexes, which 3) could be compensated for by asymmetrical visual input. The main conclusion of the present study is that natural supraspinal commands for postural corrections in the roll plane can be effectively decoded on the basis of subtraction of the effects of signals delivered by the left and right RS pathways. Possible mechanisms for this transformation are discussed.

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Inhibition of N- and L-type Ca2+ currents by dopamine in lamprey spinal motoneurons.

Dopamine is co-localized with 5-hydroxytryptamine in a ventromedially located plexus in the lamprey spinal cord and reduces Ca2+ currents in motoneurons that express high-voltage activated Ca2+ currents of the N-, L- and P/Q-types. Blockade of L- and P/Q- type channels leaving N-type channels intact reduced but did not prevent the inhibition of the Ca2+ current by dopamine. Dopamine also reduced the L-type current potentiated by BAY K 8644. During simultaneous blockade of N-type and L-type currents, dopamine was unable to affect the remaining Ca2+ current. In addition, blockade of G-proteins abolished the dopaminergic modulation. The inhibition was unaffected by depolarizing prepulses. Thus, dopamine mediates inhibition of N- and L-type currents through a G-protein-dependent, voltage-independent pathway in lamprey spinal motoneurons.

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Simulations of neuromuscular control in lamprey swimming.

The neuronal generation of vertebrate locomotion has been extensively studied in the lamprey. Models at different levels of abstraction are being used to describe this system, from abstract nonlinear oscillators to interconnected model neurons comprising multiple compartments and a Hodgkin-Huxley representation of the most relevant ion channels. To study the role of sensory feedback by simulation, it eventually also becomes necessary to incorporate the mechanical movements in the models. By using simplifying models of muscle activation, body mechanics, counteracting water forces, and sensory feedback through stretch receptors and vestibular organs, we have been able to close the feedback loop to enable studies of the interaction between the neuronal and the mechanical systems. The neuromechanical simulations reveal that the currently known network is sufficient for generating a whole repertoire of swimming patterns. Swimming at different speeds and with different wavelengths, together with the performance of lateral turns can all be achieved by simply varying the brainstem input. The neuronal mechanisms behind pitch and roll manoeuvres are less clear. We have put forward a 'crossed-oscillators' hypothesis where partly separate dorsal and ventral circuits are postulated. Neuromechanical simulations of this system show that it is also capable of generating realistic pitch turns and rolls, and that vestibular signals can stabilize the posture during swimming.

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Role of glutamate receptor subtypes in the lamprey respiratory network.

The respiratory role of glutamate receptors was investigated in the isolated lamprey brain preparation by analyzing the changes in respiratory activity induced by bath application of specific antagonists of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. The results show that these antagonists differentially affect the pattern of breathing and provide the first evidence that both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors are involved in neurotransmission within the lamprey respiratory network.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Activity-dependent metaplasticity of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in the lamprey spinal cord locomotor network.

Paired intracellular recordings have been used to examine the activity-dependent plasticity and neuromodulator-induced metaplasticity of synaptic inputs from identified inhibitory and excitatory interneurons in the lamprey spinal cord. Trains of spikes at 5-20 Hz were used to mimic the frequency of spiking that occurs in network interneurons during NMDA or brainstem-evoked locomotor activity. Inputs from inhibitory and excitatory interneurons exhibited similar activity-dependent changes, with synaptic depression developing during the spike train. The level of depression reached was greater with lower stimulation frequencies. Significant activity-dependent depression of inputs from excitatory interneurons and inhibitory crossed caudal interneurons, which are central elements in the patterning of network activity, usually developed between the fifth and tenth spikes in the train. Because these interneurons typically fire bursts of up to five spikes during locomotor activity, this activity-dependent plasticity will presumably not contribute to the patterning of network activity. However, in the presence of the neuromodulators substance P and 5-HT, significant activity-dependent metaplasticity of these inputs developed over the first five spikes in the train. Substance P induced significant activity-dependent depression of inhibitory but potentiation of excitatory interneuron inputs, whereas 5-HT induced significant activity-dependent potentiation of both inhibitory and excitatory interneuron inputs. Because these metaplastic effects are consistent with the substance P and 5-HT-induced modulation of the network output, activity-dependent metaplasticity could be a potential mechanism underlying the coordination and modulation of rhythmic network activity.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Neural mechanisms potentially contributing to the intersegmental phase lag in lamprey.II. Hemisegmental oscillations produced by mutually coupled excitatory neurons.

Most previous models of the spinal central pattern generator (CPG) underlying locomotion in the lamprey have relied on reciprocal inhibition between the left and right side for oscillations to be produced. Here, we have explored the consequences of using self-oscillatory hemisegments. Within a single hemisegment, the oscillations are produced by a network of recurrently coupled excitatory neurons (E neurons) that by themselves are not oscillatory but when coupled together through N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionicacid (AMPA)/kainate transmission can produce oscillations. The bursting mechanism relies on intracellular accumulation of calcium that activates Ca(2+)-dependent K(+). The intracellular calcium is modeled by two different intracellular calcium pools, one of which represents the calcium entry following the action potential, Ca(AP) pool, and the other represents the calcium inflow through the NMDA channels, Ca(NMDA) pool. The Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) activated by these two calcium pools are referred to as K(CaAP) and K(CaNMDA), respectively, and their relative conductances are modulated and increase with the background activation of the network. When changing the background stimulation, the bursting activity in this network can be made to cover a frequency range of 0.5-5.5 Hz with reasonable burst proportions if the adaptation is modulated with the activity. When a chain of such hemisegments are coupled together, a phase lag along the chain can be produced. The local oscillations as well as the phase lag is dependent on the axonal conduction delay as well as the types of excitatory coupling that are assumed, i.e. AMPA/kainate and/or NMDA. When the caudal excitatory projections are extended further than the rostral ones, and assumed to be of approximately equal strength, this kind of network is capable of reproducing several experimental observations such as those occurring during strychnine blockade of the left-right reciprocal inhibition. Addition of reciprocally coupled inhibitory neurons in such a network gives rise to antiphasic activity between the left and right side, but not necessarily to any change of the frequency if the burst proportion of the hemisegmental bursts is well below 50%. Prolongation of the C neuron projection in the rostrocaudal direction restricts the phase lag produced by only the excitatory hemisegmental network by locking together the interburst intervals at different levels of the spinal cord.

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Neural mechanisms potentially contributing to the intersegmental phase lag in lamprey.I. Segmental oscillations dependent on reciprocal inhibition.

Factors contributing to the production of a phase lag along chains of oscillatory networks consisting of Hodgkin-Huxley type neurons are analyzed by means of simulations. Simplified network configurations are explored consisting of the basic building blocks of the spinal central pattern generator (CPG) generating swimming in the lamprey. It consists of reciprocally coupled crossed inhibitory C interneurons and ipsilateral excitatory E interneurons that activate C neurons and other E neurons. Oscillatory activity in the model network can, in the simplest case, be produced by a pair of reciprocally coupled C interneurons oscillating through an escape mechanism. Different levels of tonic excitation drive the network over a wide burst frequency range. In this type of network, powerful frequency-regulating factors are the effective inhibition produced by the active side, in combination with the tendency of the inactive side to escape from the inhibition. These two mechanisms can be affected by several factors, e.g. spike frequency adaptation (calcium-dependent K(+) channels), N-methyl-D-aspartate membrane properties as well as presence of low-voltage activated calcium channels. A rostrocaudal phase lag can be produced either by extending the contralateral inhibitory projections or the ipsilateral excitatory projections relatively more in the caudal than the rostral direction, since both an increased inhibition and a phasic excitation slow down the receiving network. The phase lag becomes decreased if the length of the intersegmental projections is increased or if the projections are extended symmetrically in both the rostral and the caudal directions. The simulations indicate that the conditions in the ends of an oscillator chain may significantly affect sign, magnitude and constancy of the phase lag. Also, with short and relatively weak intersegmental connections, the network remains robust against perturbations as well as intrinsic frequency differences along the chain. The phase lag (percentage of cycle duration) increases, however, with burst frequency also when the coupling strength is comparatively weak. The results are discussed and compared with previous "phase pulling" models as well as relaxation oscillators.

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Bridging the gap - from ion channels to networks and behaviour.

A major challenge for current research in neuroscience is to understand the intrinsic operation of the functional modules of the central nervous system, such as those formed by cortical columns and the neuronal networks controlling motor behaviour. Most vertebrate experimental models used in network analyses involve developing nervous systems, which are in rapid transition with regard to their cellular properties and the expression of different ion channels. Recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and circuit properties of motor networks are making it possible to decipher the mechanisms involved in vertebrate motor pattern generation.

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Long-lasting substance-P-mediated modulation of NMDA-induced rhythmic activity in the lamprey locomotor network involves separate RNA- and protein-synthesis-dependent stages.

Bath application of the tachykinin neuropeptide substance P (1 microm) for 10 min causes long-lasting (> 24 h) modulation of the frequency and regularity of NMDA-evoked locomotor bursts in the lamprey. The change in burst frequency has an induction phase (< 2 h), which depends on the potentiation of NMDA responses and an increase in intracellular calcium levels, and a maintenance phase (> 2 h), that is blocked by translational protein synthesis inhibitors. Here, the maintenance phase has been examined further. Unlike translation inhibitors, the transcription inhibitors actinomycin D and 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside (DRB) failed to reverse the change in burst frequency 2-3 h after substance P application, suggesting that the protein synthesized at this time does not require de novo RNA synthesis. Transcription inhibitors, however, reversed the change in burst frequency 15-24 h after substance P application, as did brefeldin A, which disrupts the Golgi complex and thus interferes with the post-translational transport of proteins. The change in burst regularity was unaffected by transcription or translation inhibitors, but was partially reversed by protein kinase A inhibitors applied 2.5-8 h after substance P. The glycoprotein synthesis inhibitor 2-deoxygalactose did not affect the changes in burst frequency or burst regularity. These results suggest that there are two phases to the maintenance of the change in burst frequency: an intermediate protein-, but not RNA-, synthesis-dependent phase, and a final RNA-synthesis-dependent phase. The change in burst regularity is protein-synthesis-independent, but may depend on activation of protein kinase A for at least 8 h after substance P application.

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Interactive effects of the GABABergic modulation of calcium channels and calcium-dependent potassium channels in lamprey.

The GABAB-mediated modulation of spinal neurons in the lamprey is investigated in this study. Activation of GABAB receptors reduces calcium currents through both low- (LVA) and high-voltage activated (HVA) calcium channels, which subsequently results in the reduction of the calcium-dependent potassium (KCa) current. This in turn will reduce the peak amplitude of the afterhyperpolarization (AHP). We used the modulatory effects of GABAB receptor activation on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced, TTX-resistant membrane potential oscillations as an experimental model in which to separate the effects of GABAB receptor activation on LVA calcium channels from that on KCa channels. We show experimentally and by using simulations that a direct effect on LVA calcium channels can account for the effects of GABAB receptor activation on intrinsic membrane potential oscillations to a larger extent than indirect effects mediated via KCa channels. Furthermore, by conducting experiments and simulations on intrinsic membrane potential oscillations, we find that KCa channels may be activated by calcium entering through LVA calcium channels, providing that the decay kinetics of the calcium that enters through LVA calcium channels is not as slow as the calcium entering via NMDA receptors. A combined experimental and computational analysis revealed that the LVA calcium current also contributes to neuronal firing properties.

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Neuropeptide-mediated facilitation and inhibition of sensory inputs and spinal cord reflexes in the lamprey.

The effects of neuromodulators present in the dorsal horn [tachykinins, neuropeptide Y (NPY), bombesin, and GABAB agonists] were studied on reflex responses evoked by cutaneous stimulation in the lamprey. Reflex responses were elicited in an isolated spinal cord preparation by electrical stimulation of the attached tail fin. To be able to separate modulator-induced effects at the sensory level from that at the motor or premotor level, the spinal cord was separated into three pools with Vaseline barriers. The caudal pool contained the tail fin. Neuromodulators were added to this pool to modulate sensory inputs evoked by tail fin stimulation. The middle pool contained high divalent cation or low calcium Ringer to block polysynaptic transmission and thus limit the input to the rostral pool to that from ascending axons that project through the middle pool. Ascending inputs and reflex responses were monitored by making intracellular recordings from motor neurons and extracellular recordings from ventral roots in the rostral pool. The tachykinin neuropeptide substance P, which has previously been shown to potentiate sensory input at the cellular and synaptic levels, facilitated tail fin-evoked synaptic inputs to neurons in the rostral pool and concentration dependently facilitated rostral ventral root activity. Substance P also facilitated the modulatory effects of tail fin stimulation on ongoing locomotor activity in the rostral pool. In contrast, NPY and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, both of which have presynaptic inhibitory effects on sensory afferents, reduced the strength of ascending inputs and rostral ventral root responses. We also examined the effects of the neuropeptide bombesin, which is present in sensory axons, at the cellular, synaptic, and reflex levels. As with substance P, bombesin increased tail fin stimulation-evoked inputs and ventral root responses in the rostral pool. These effects were associated with the increased excitability of slowly adapting mechanosensory neurons and the potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic inputs to spinobulbar neurons. These results show the possible behavioral relevance of neuropeptide-mediated modulation of sensory inputs at the cellular and synaptic levels. Given that the types and locations of neuropeptides in the dorsal spinal cord of the lamprey show strong homologies to that of higher vertebrates, these results are presumably relevant to other vertebrate systems.

Action Potentials↗

Vertebrate locomotion--a lamprey perspective.

The forebrain, brain stem, and spinal cord contribution to the control of locomotion is reviewed in this chapter. The lamprey is used as an experimental model because it allows a detailed cellular analysis of the neuronal network underlying locomotion. The focus is on cellular mechanisms that are important for the pattern generation, as well as different types of pre- and postsynaptic modulation. Neuropeptides target different cellular and synaptic mechanisms and cause long-lasting changes (> 24 h) in network function.

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Modeling of the spinal neuronal circuitry underlying locomotion in a lower vertebrate.

The neural circuitry generating lamprey undulatory swimming is among the most accessible and best known of the vertebrate neuronal locomotor systems. It therefore serves as an experimental model for such systems. Modeling and computer simulation of this system was initiated at a point when a significant part of the network had been identified, although much detail was still lacking. The model has been further developed over 10 years in close interaction with experiments. The local burst generating circuitry is formed by ipsilateral excitatory neurons and crossed reciprocal inhibitory neurons. Early models also incorporated an off-switch lateral interneuron (L), the connectivity of which suggested it could contribute to burst termination at moderate to high bursting frequencies. Later examination of this model suggested, however, that the L interneuron was not of primary importance for burst termination, and this was later verified experimentally. Further, early models explained the effects of 5-HT on bursting frequency, spike frequency, and burst duration as being due to its modulatory action on the spike frequency adaptation of lamprey premotor interneurons. In current network models, accumulated adaptation is in addition the main burst terminating factor. Drive-related modulation of adaptation is explored as a mechanism for control of burst duration. This produces an adequate burst frequency range and a constant burst proportion within each cycle. It further allows for hemisegmental bursting, which has been observed experimentally. The local burst generator forms the basis of a network model of the distributed pattern generator that extends along the spinal cord. Phase constancy and flexibility of intersegmental coordination has been studied in such a simulated network. Current modeling work focuses on neuromodulator circuitry and action, network responses to input transients, how to model the intact versus an isolated piece of spinal cord, as well as on improving an earlier neuromechanical model of lamprey swimming.

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Spinal inputs from lateral columns to reticulospinal neurons in lampreys.

This study characterizes the inputs from the lateral columns of the spinal cord to reticulospinal neurons in the lampreys, using the in vitro isolated brainstem and spinal cord preparation. Synaptic responses to the electrical stimulation of the lateral columns were recorded in reticulospinal neurons of the posterior and middle rhombencephalic reticular nuclei. The responses consisted of a mixture of excitation and inhibition. They were markedly potentiated when using trains of two to five pulses, suggesting that the larger part of these synaptic responses was mediated via an oligosynaptic pathway. An early component, however, persisted when using twin pulses at 10-20 Hz on the ipsilateral side, suggesting the presence of an early mono- or disynaptic component. When increasing the stimulation strength, an early fast rising excitatory component appeared. It most likely resulted from an antidromic activation of vestibulospinal axons in the lateral tracts, which make en passant synaptic contacts with reticulospinal neurons. Responses were practically abolished by adding CNQX and AP5 to the Ringer's solution. The late component of excitatory responses was decreased by AP5, suggesting that NMDA receptors were activated. The NMDA receptor-mediated component was larger when using trains of stimuli or in Mg2+-free Ringer's. The application of NMDA depolarized reticulospinal neurons. The glycinergic inhibitory component was markedly increased in Mg2+-free Ringer's. Moreover, GABAB-receptor activation with (-)-baclofen abolished both excitatory and inhibitory responses. Taken together, the present results indicate that ascending lateral column axons generate large excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potentials in reticulospinal neurons. The possible role of these inputs in modulating the activity of reticulospinal neurons during locomotion is discussed.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Cellular and synaptic modulation underlying substance P-mediated plasticity of the lamprey locomotor network.

The tachykinin substance P modulates the lamprey locomotor network by increasing the frequency of NMDA-evoked ventral root bursts and by making the burst activity more regular. These effects can last in excess of 24 hr. In this paper, the effects of substance P on the synaptic and cellular properties of motor neurons and identified network interneurons have been examined. Substance P potentiated the amplitude of monosynaptic glutamatergic inputs from excitatory interneurons and reticulospinal axons. The amplitude and frequency of miniature EPSPs was increased, suggesting that the synaptic modulation was mediated presynaptically and postsynaptically. The postsynaptic modulation was caused by a specific effect of substance P on the NMDA component of the synaptic input, whereas the presynaptic component was calcium-independent. Substance P did not affect monosynaptic glycinergic inputs from lateral interneurons, crossed inhibitory interneurons, or ipsilateral segmental interneurons or postsynaptic GABAA or GABAB responses, suggesting that it has little effect on inhibitory synaptic transmission. At the cellular level, substance P increased synaptic inputs, resulting in membrane potential oscillations in motor neurons, crossed caudal interneurons, lateral interneurons, and excitatory interneurons. The spiking in response to depolarizing current pulses was increased in motor neurons, lateral interneurons, and excitatory interneurons, but usually was reduced in crossed inhibitory interneurons. Substance P reduced the calcium-dependent afterhyperpolarization after an action potential in motor neurons and lateral interneurons, but did not affect this conductance in excitatory or crossed inhibitory interneurons. The relevance of these cellular and synaptic changes to the modulation of the locomotor network is discussed.

Action Potentials↗