An attempt to localize the lumbar locomotor generator in the rabbit using 2-deoxy-[14C]glucose autoradiography

An attempt was made to find the anatomical localization of the lumbar locomotion generators using 2-deoxy-[14C]glucose (2-DG) uptake in acute low spinal preparation of rabbits unanaesthetized, curarized and injected with nialamide and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). In such conditions, the locomotor generators were forced to work in isolation for 45 min without interruption as attested by the rhythmic activity recorded in hindlimb muscle nerves. Compared to spinal control preparations not activated pharmacologically, the treated animals showed a specific labeling in the intermediate part of the grey matter, extending from L6 to S1.