Probing spinal circuits controlling walking in mammals.
Locomotion in mammals is a complex motor act that involves the activation of a large number of muscles in a well-coordinated pattern. Understanding the network organization of the intrinsic spinal networks that control the locomotion, the central pattern generators, has been a challenge to neuroscientists. However, experiments using the isolated rodent spinal cord and combining electrophysiology and molecular genetics to dissect the locomotor network have started to shed new light on the network structure. In the present review, we will discuss findings that have revealed the role of designated populations of neurons for the key network functions including coordinating muscle activity and generating rhythmic activity. These findings are summarized in proposed organizational principles for the mammalian segmental CPG.
Kiehn
Ole
O
Mammalian Locomotor Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Retzius väg 8, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden. O.Kiehn@ki.se
Dougherty
Kimberly J
KJ
Hägglund
Martin
M
Borgius
Lotta
L
Talpalar
Adolfo
A
Restrepo
Carlos Ernesto
CE
D000818:Animals; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D012377:Rodentia / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*