Large-scale synchronized activity in the embryonic brainstem and spinal cord.

ABSTRACT: In the developing central nervous system, spontaneous activity appears well before the brain responds to external sensory inputs. One of the earliest activities is observed in the hindbrain and spinal cord, which is detected as rhythmic electrical discharges of cranial and spinal motoneurons or oscillations of Ca(2+)- and voltage-related optical signals. Shortly after the initial expression, the spontaneous activity appearing in the hindbrain and spinal cord exhibits a large-scale correlated wave that propagates over a wide region of the central nervous system, maximally extending to the lumbosacral cord and to the forebrain. In this review, we describe several aspects of this synchronized activity by focusing on the basic properties, development, origin, propagation pattern, pharmacologic

SUBMITTER: Momose-Sato Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3625830 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature