Role of descending aminergic pathways in the development of locomotion.
The development of locomotor function in terrestrial higher vertebrates takes place during both the embryonic period and the first days (or weeks, depending on the species) of postnatal life. It relies on the maturation of different elements such as musculoskeletal system, sensory systems, network connectivity, and neuronal intrinsic properties. This maturation results from the interplay between genetic determinants and activity dependent processes. Numerous studies have shown that aminergic (serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine) projections to the spinal cord could contribute to the maturation of locomotor networks. In this review we will describe the development of aminergic projections in the spinal cord of higher terrestrial vertebrates, and we will review literature describing the trophic role played by these pathways on different parameters of locomotor function.
INMED, INSERM U901, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy 163 route de Luminy 13273 Marseille Cedex 09, France. edouard.pearlstein@inserm.fr
Edouard
E
Pearlstein
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013045:Species Specificity; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D015306:Biogenic Monoamines