Descending influences on the cutaneous receptive fields of postsynaptic dorsal column neurones in the cat

1. The influence of activity in descending systems on the cutaneous receptive field properties of postsynaptic dorsal column (PSDC) neurones has been investigated in chloralose-anaesthetized cats. The main aim of the study was to determine whether the receptive field boundaries of PSDC neurones are under the control of systems descending from the brain. 2. Single-unit recordings were made from the ascending axons of PSDC units in the dorsal columns. Receptive fields were analysed using light tactile and noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli, both before and during a reversible block of spinal conduction produced by cooling the cord rostral of the recording site. 3. The light tactile excitatory fields of PSDC neurones were largely unaffected by the cold-block procedure. 4. In contrast, both the sensitivity of PSDC neurones to noxious stimuli and the area of skin from which they could be effectively excited by such stimuli were found to be profoundly modified by interruption of descending activity. Two-thirds of the units excited by noxious pinch responded more vigorously in the cold-blocked state and one-half from an expanded area of skin. Responses to noxious radiant heat were similarly modified. 5. Inhibition evoked in PSDC neurones, whether by light tactile or noxious stimuli, involved predominantly segmental mechanisms since it remained effective in the cold-blocked state. 6. It is concluded that neurones of the PSDC system are amongst those dorsal horn neurones with receptive field geometries which may be modified by activity in descending systems.