Ichikawa Y, Terakado Y, Yamaguchi T
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsukuba University, Ibaraki, Japan.
Neurosci Lett. 1991 Jan 2;121(1-2):37-9. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(91)90643-8.
Last-order interneurones, which were identified by antidromic invasion from the elbow extensor motor nuclei (triceps brachii), were examined for rhythmic activity during fictive locomotion. Last-order neurones with activity modulated were divided into 3 groups: one exhibited flexor-like activity, another extensor-like, and the third activity which had properties of both. Flexor-like neurones, presumably inhibitory, were located in the rostral segments (C6-C7), whereas extensor-like ones, presumably excitatory, were located in the caudal (C7-T1). Neurones of the third group were found in the most caudal segments (C8-T1). The results seem to suggest the existence of functional localization in the stepping generator.
