Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Vestibulospinal effects on hindlimb motoneurons of the frog

  • Published:
Pflügers Archiv Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Field and intracellular potentials were recorded in the lumbar spinal cord of the frog following stimulation of the anterior branch of the vestibular nerve and vestibular nucleus. The field potential recorded in the motoneuron pool after VIIIth nerve stimulation consisted of two presynaptic positive-negative potentials (latencies 1.7 and 2.6 msec) followed by a slow negative wave. The latency of the first presynaptic field potential was only 0.6 msec longer than the presynaptic field potential evoked by stimulation of the vestibular nucleus; it is suggested that electrotonic coupling in the vestibular nuclei is responsible for the fast vestibulospinal transmission.

Whereas VIIIth nerve stimulation produced EPSPs in both flexor (peroneal) and extensor (tibial) motoneurons, IPSPs were found only in extensor motoneurons. The functional implication of these findings was discussed. Comparison of PSP latencies with the extracellular presynaptic field potentials generated by VIIIth nerve or nucleus stimulation indicated that EPSPs were produced by the excitatory action of vestibulospinal axons on motoneurons. The longer latencies of the vestibular induced IPSPs suggested that they were generated indirectly by inhibitory spinal interneurons. Preliminary experiments on the interaction of segmental and vestibular induced PSPs suggest that the latter are generated close to the soma of motoneurons.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abbie, A. A., Adey, W. R.: Motor mechanisms of the anuran brain. J. comp. Neurol.92, 242–291 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Barale, F., Corvaja, N., Pompeiano, O.: Vestibular influences on postural activity in frog. Arch. ital. Biol.109, 27–36 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Brodal, A., Pompeiano, O., Walberg, F.: The vestibular nuclei and their connections: Anatomy and functional correlations. London: Oliver and Boyd 1962

    Google Scholar 

  4. Brookhart, J. M., Fadiga, E.: Potential fields initiated during monosynaptic activation of frog motoneurons. J. Physiol. (Lond.)150, 633–655 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Burlet, H. M. de: Zur vergleichenden Anatomie der Labyrinthinnervation. J. comp. Neurol.47, 155–169 (1929)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Corvaja, N., Grofová, I., Pompeiano, O.: The origin, course and termination of vestibulospinal fibers in the toad. An experimental-anatomical study, with comments on other descending supraspinal fiber systems to the spinal cord. Brain Behav. Evol.7, 401–423 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Fadiga, E., Brookhart, J. M.: Monosynaptic activation of different portions of the motor neuron membrane. Amer. J. Physiol.198, 693–703 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Gaupp, E.: A. Ecker's und R. Weidersheimer's Anatomie des Frosches Vol. 2. 2nd Edit. Lehre vom Nerven- und Gefäßsystem (1899)

  9. Gregory, K. M.: Central projections of the eight nerve in frogs. Brain, Behav. Evol.5, 70–88 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Hillman, D. E.: Light and electron microscopical study of the relationships between the cerebellum and the vestibular organ of the frog. Exp. Brain Res.9, 1–15 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Lund, S., Pompeiano, O.: Monosynaptic excitation of alpha motoneurones from supraspinal structures in the cat. Acta physiol. scand.73, 1–21 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Mehler, W. R.: Comparative anatomy of the vestibular nuclear complex in submammalian vertebrates. In: Basic aspects of central vestibular mechanisms. A. Brodal and O. Pompeiano, Eds.: Progr. Brain Res. vol.37, pp. 55–67 (1972)

  13. Precht, W., Llinás, R.: Functional organization of the vestibular afferents to the cerebellar cortex of frog and cat. Exp. Brain Res.9, 30–52 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Precht, W., Richter, A., Ozawa, S.: Antidrome und synaptische Aktivierung von Vestibularisneuronen des Frosches durch Reizung des Nervus vestibularis. Pflügers Arch.332, R 101 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Precht, W., Richter, A., Ozawa, S., Shimazu, H.: Intracellular study of frog's vestibular neurons in relation to the labyrinth and spinal cord. Exp. Brain Res.19, 377–393 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Wilson, V. J.: Physiological pathways through the vestibular nuclei. Int. Rev. Neurobiol.15, 27–81 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Wilson, V. J., Yoshida, M.: Vestibulospinal and reticulospinal effects on hindlimb, forelimb and neck alpha motoneurones of the cat. Proc. Acad. Sci.60, 836–840 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. P. C. Magherini

    Present address: Istituto di Fisiologia Umana, Cattedra II, Università di Pisa, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurobiologische Abteilung, Max-Planck-Institut für Hirnforschung, Deutschordenstraße 46, D-6000, Frankfurt/Main-Niederrad, Germany

    P. C. Magherini, W. Precht & A. Richter

Authors
  1. P. C. Magherini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. W. Precht
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Richter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Magherini, P.C., Precht, W. & Richter, A. Vestibulospinal effects on hindlimb motoneurons of the frog. Pflugers Arch. 348, 211–223 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00587412

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00587412

Key words

Search

Navigation