Respiratory and locomotor patterns generated in the fetal rat brain stem-spinal cord in vitro.
An in vitro brain stem-spinal cord preparation from last trimester (E13-E21) fetal rats, which generates rhythmic respiratory and locomotor patterns, is described. These coordinated motor patterns emerge at stages E17-E18. Synchronous rhythmic motor activity, not clearly characterized as respiratory or locomotor, can occur as early as E13. With this preparation, it is now possible to study the ontogenesis of circuits and cellular mechanisms underlying these critical movements.
Greer
J J
JJ
Department of Kinesiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1527.
Smith
J C
JC
Feldman
J L
JL
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D001640:Bicuculline / Q000494:pharmacology; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D005333:Fetus; D005865:Gestational Age; D006614:Hindlimb; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D001239:Inhalation / Q000502:physiology; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000196:embryology / Q000294:innervation; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D001640:Bicuculline