Balanced Inhibition and Excitation Drive Spike Activity in Spinal Half-Centers

2007/01/18 by Rune W. Berg, Aidas Alaburda, Jørn Hounsgaard · 28 citations
Neuroscience · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Neural dynamics and brain function #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research #Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications

paper · doi:10.1126/science.1134960

Abstract

Many limb movements are composed of alternating flexions and extensions. However, the underlying spinal network mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here, we show that the intensity of synaptic excitation and inhibition in limb motoneurons varies in phase rather than out of phase during rhythmic scratchlike network activity in the turtle. Inhibition and excitation peak with the total neuron conductance during the depolarizing waves of scratch episodes. Furthermore, spike activity is driven by depolarizing synaptic transients rather than pacemaker properties. These findings show that balanced excitation and inhibition and irregular firing are fundamental motifs in certain spinal network functions.

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