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Assessing Forelimb Function after Unilateral Cervical SCI using Novel Tasks: Limb Step-alternation, Postural Instability and Pasta Handling
Published on: September 16, 2013
Load changes in limbs during orienting in non-restrained cats
Kazuya Yoshimura1, Hiro-Aki Takeuchi, Shigeto Sasaki
1Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan. yoshimura.k.ad@m.titech.ac.jp
Zoological Science
|November 3, 2010
Summary
This study reveals how cats adjust posture during orienting movements. Limb load forces change predictably with head rotation and translation, correlating with neural activity related to head movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Orienting responses involve coordinated eye and head movements with postural adjustments.
- The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) initially moves the eye opposite to head movement.
- Saccades later guide the eye towards the target, synchronized with head movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between eye-head movements, postural adjustments, and limb load forces during orienting in cats.
- To explore the neural underpinnings of these coordinated movements by examining reticulospinal neurons.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous measurement of eye and head movements and load forces exerted by all four limbs in cats.
- Classification of head movements into rotation and translation.
- Recording of cervical reticulospinal neurons (C-RSNs) in the ponto-medullary reticular formation.
Main Results:
- Limb load forces exhibited distinct patterns during head rotation versus translation.
- Load force changes were inversely related to head movement latency, with shorter latencies showing greater force changes.
- Cervical reticulospinal neurons (phasic neurons and phasic sustained neurons) showed firing patterns related to head movements.
Conclusions:
- Limb load adjustments are integral to postural stability during orienting behaviors.
- The observed load force changes are consistent with the activity of specific reticulospinal neurons.
- This research provides insights into the neural control of coordinated sensorimotor transformations during orienting.
