[Responses of medulla oblongata neurons to microstimulation of the "locomotor strip" in cats].

Synaptic responses of medullary neurons to stimulation of the medullary "locomotor strip" by current of about 20 microA were recorded extracellularly in mesencephalic decerebellized cats. The mean latency of responses of 177 units was 3.2 ms. Synaptically driven units were located both in the lateral and in the medial reticular formation, however short-latent responses were observed predominantly in the lateral part. Single stimulus evoked discharge consisted of two or more spikes in 32% of units. Respiratory neurons were not activated by stimulation of the locomotor point. The data obtained show that neurons of the "locomotor strip" can excite both one another and neurons located more medially. Possible mechanisms of extending the activity to the upper cervical segments of the spinal cord are discussed.