[Serotoninergic system morphofunctional aspects in control of postural and locomotion function]

Different mediator systems including serotoninergic one can influence animal's locomotor behavior. It has been shown that the spinal cord in the absence of supraspinal control is able to induce the locomotor activity in hindlimbs and afferent system can activate this mechanism. In behavioral studies on the rats with complete transection of the spinal cord it has been demonstrated that the pharmacological blocking of serotoninergic system results in depression of motor activity mediated by activation of support reactions. Histological studies did not reveal any effects of activation of support reactions on the safety of neurons as well as on the distribution of synaptic contacts within L2-L4 spinal segments. At the same time it has been shown that blockade of the serotoninergic system results in alterations of cells located in 1-3 laminae of dorsal horns, and in 7 Rexed's lamina as well as in redistribution of synaptic contacts in 1-4 Rexed laminae of the spinal cord dorsal horns.