The adaptation of a reflex response to the ongoing phase of locomotion in fish

The reflex response to stimulation of the tail fin has been studied in the swimming fish, by bilateral electromyographical (EMG) recordings in several segments along the body. The response varies with the phase of swimming. When the muscles on one side (segment) are active, a large response will occur on this side but no response on the contralateral side at the same level. When the other side becomes active an identical stimulus will cause an activation of this side but no response on the previously active side. When the movements were filmed a powerful mechanical effect was demonstrated with an augmentation of the ongoing movement, that would result in an instantaneous increase in speed. The stimulus causes in addition a shortening of the duration of the swimming cycle and its components. Most of the results were obtained on spinal dogfish, which also exhibits spontaneous locomotion after a spinal transection. Mainly electrical bipolar stimulation of the tail fin was used. Identical stimuli applied in different phases on an ongoing movement, thus give a reflex response that changes dramatically with the phase of the movement. This phase dependent reflex reversal is functionally meaningful; it is fast and due to spinal mechanisms.