Episodic rhythmicity is generated by a distributed neural network in the developing mammalian spinal cord.

ABSTRACT: Spinal circuits generate locomotor rhythms, but the mechanisms behind episodic locomotor behaviors remain unclear. This study investigated dopamine-induced episodic rhythms in isolated neonatal mouse spinal cords to understand these mechanisms. The episodic rhythms were generally synchronous and propagated rostro-caudally, although occasional asynchrony was observed. Electrical stimulation of the L5 dorsal root entrained the episodic rhythms, suggesting afferent control and a distributed network. Even after transection or ventrolateral funiculus (VLF) lesions, episodic activity persisted in isolated thoracic or sacral segments, implying VLF-coupled networks. Rhythmicity was observed in VLF and dorsal root axons and was independent of cholinergic excitation via motoneurons, GABA_A

SUBMITTER: Milla-Cruz JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11889695 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature