V1 and V2b Interneurons Secure the Alternating Flexor-Extensor Motor Activity Mice Require for Limbed Locomotion
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2-2014
Identifier/URL
40945353 (Pure); 24698273 (PubMed)
Abstract
Reciprocal activation of flexor and extensor muscles constitutes the fundamental mechanism that tetrapod vertebrates use for locomotion and limb-driven reflex behaviors. This aspect of motor coordination is controlled by inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord; however, the identity of the spinal interneurons that serve this function is not known. Here, we show that the production of an alternating flexor-extensor motor rhythm depends on the composite activities of two classes of ventrally located inhibitory neurons, V1 and V2b interneurons (INs). Abrogating V1 and V2b IN-derived neurotransmission in the isolated spinal cord results in a synchronous pattern of L2 flexor-related and L5 extensor-related locomotor activity. Mice lacking V1 and V2b inhibition are unable to articulate their limb joints and display marked deficits in limb-driven reflex movements. Taken together, these findings identify V1- and V2b-derived neurons as the core interneuronal components of the limb central pattern generator (CPG) that coordinate flexor-extensor motor activity.
Repository Citation
Zhang, J.,
Lanuza, G. M.,
Britz, O.,
Wang, Z.,
Siembab, V. C.,
Zhang, Y.,
Velasquez, T.,
Alvarez, F. J.,
Frank, E.,
& Goulding, M.
(2014). V1 and V2b Interneurons Secure the Alternating Flexor-Extensor Motor Activity Mice Require for Limbed Locomotion. Neuron, 82 (1), 138-150.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/ncbp/1248
DOI
10.1016/j.neuron.2014.02.013
