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Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
Published on: January 18, 2010
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Descending Command Neurons in the Brainstem that Halt Locomotion
Julien Bouvier1, Vittorio Caggiano2, Roberto Leiras2
1Mammalian Locomotor Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, UMR 9197 - CNRS and Université-Paris 11, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Cell
|November 23, 2015
Summary
Brainstem V2a neurons initiate stopping signals for locomotion. Activating these neurons halts movement by inhibiting spinal cord networks, revealing their role in controlling episodic movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Developmental Genetics
Background:
- Locomotion's episodic nature is regulated by brainstem descending inputs.
- Research has focused on initiation signals, with limited understanding of locomotor offset control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify brainstem neuronal populations controlling locomotor offset.
- To investigate the role of V2a neurons in the reticular formation as a potential locomotor stop signal.
Main Methods:
- Utilized developmental genetics to study V2a neurons.
- Examined the effect of selective V2a neuron activation and inactivation on locomotion in vivo.
- Investigated V2a neuron pathways to spinal cord locomotor networks.
Main Results:
- V2a neurons form a major excitatory pathway to ventral spinal cord locomotor areas.
- Selective activation of rostral medullary V2a neurons stopped ongoing locomotion.
- Inactivation of V2a neurons reduced spontaneous stopping during locomotion.
Conclusions:
- V2a neurons act as a glutamatergic descending pathway promoting immobility.
- These V2a "stop neurons" are crucial for controlling the episodic nature of locomotion.
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