ISSN:
1432-1106
Keywords:
Thoracic motoneurons
;
Supraspinal
;
Monosynaptic IPSP, EPSP
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The effects of brain stem stimulation on thoracic back motoneurons were studied in cats anesthetized with pentobarbital. The population sampled consisted of the extensors interspinales (IS), longissimus dorsi (LD) and spinalis dorsi (SD), and of unidentified (UIC) motoneurons. The location of the motoneurons, between Th 1 and Th 10, at widely varying distances from the stimulating electrode permitted linear regression analysis of the descending neural influences. EPSPs evoked by MLF stimulation in all types of motoneurons were produced by a pathway with an average conduction velocity in the thoracic cord of 127 m/sec, and were monosynaptic. IPSPs were also produced by MLF stimulation. The IPSPs in IS and UIC motoneurons were monosynaptic and were produced by a pathway with an average conduction velocity of 69 m/sec. Stimulation of Deiters' nucleus evoked short latency EPSPs in many motoneurons. EPSPs in LD and UIC motoneurons were shown to be monosynaptic, although latency scatter and sample size made accurate determination of vestibulospinal conduction velocity impossible. Stimulation of the labyrinth evoked disynaptic EPSPs and IPSPs in many cells, as previously observed in neck motoneurons. IPSPs were frequently produced by stimulation of the contralateral labyrinth, probably by a pathway with a relay in the contralateral medial vestibular nucleus. Ipsilateral stimulation usually produced EPSPs. The excitatory pathway relays in Deiters' nucleus and, we suggest, in the descending vestibular nucleus.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01474387
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