Inhibitory synaptic drive patterns motoneuronal activity in rhythmic preparations of isolated thoracic ganglia in the stick insect.

During active leg movements of an insect leg, the activity of the motoneuron pools of each individual leg joint is generated by the interaction between signals from central rhythm generating sources, peripheral signals as well as coordinating signals from other leg joints and legs. The nature of the synaptic drive from the central rhythm generators onto the motoneuron pools of the individual leg joints during rhythmic motor activity of the stick insect (Carausius morosus) middle leg has been investigated. In the isolated mesothoracic ganglion central rhythm generators were activated pharmacologically by topical application of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. Motoneurons supplying the femur-tibia (FT) joint were investigated in detail. Recordings from neuropil processes of these motoneurons revealed that patterning of their rhythmic activity is based on cyclic hyperpolarizing synaptic inputs. These inputs are in clear antiphase for extensor and flexor motoneurons. DCC (discontinuous current clamp) and dSEVC (discontinuous single electrode voltage clamp) recordings showed reversal potentials of the inhibitory inputs between -80 to -85 mV (FETi, N=7; Flex MN, N=3). After intracellular injection of TEA rhythmic inhibition in FETi was decreased by about 84% (N=4). Both findings indicate that the cyclic inhibition is mediated by potassium ions. Thus, it appears that central rhythm generators pattern motor activity in antagonistic tibial motoneuron pools by cyclic alternating inhibition.