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Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI

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Serotonergic modulation of spinal motor control.

Jean-François Perrier¹, Florence Cotel²

¹Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

|January 2, 2015

Summary

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) influences spinal motor control differently based on receptor activation. Moderate release aids locomotion, while strong release inhibits it, causing fatigue.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Motor Control Research
Spinal Cord Physiology

Background:

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a key monoamine neuromodulator.
5-HT significantly impacts spinal motor control via intrasynaptic and extrasynaptic receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the diverse actions of 5-HT on locomotor and motoneuronal activities.
To elucidate how different 5-HT release patterns affect motor functions.

Main Methods:

Utilized in vitro spinal cord preparations.
Compared effects of extracellular 5-HT application versus induced synaptic release.
Analyzed impact on rhythmic activity and motoneuron firing.

Main Results:

Extracellular 5-HT application and synaptic release yield distinct outcomes.
Moderate 5-HT release enhances locomotion and motoneuron excitability.
Stronger 5-HT release inhibits rhythmic activity and motoneuron firing, contributing to central fatigue.

Conclusions:

The net effect of 5-HT on motor control is dependent on activated receptor type and location.
Synaptic release patterns of 5-HT critically determine its modulatory role in locomotion and fatigue.