A Gradient in Synaptic Strength and Plasticity among Motoneurons Provides a Peripheral Mechanism for Locomotor Control.

ABSTRACT: The recruitment of motoneurons during force generation follows a general pattern that has been confirmed across diverse species [1-3]. Motoneurons are recruited systematically according to synaptic inputs and intrinsic cellular properties and corresponding to movements of different intensities. However, much less is known about the output properties of individual motoneurons and how they affect the translation of motoneuron recruitment to the strength of muscle contractions. In larval zebrafish, spinal motoneurons are recruited in a topographic gradient according to their input resistance (Rin) at different swimming strengths and speeds. Whereas dorsal, lower-Rin primary motoneurons (PMns) are only activated during behaviors that involve strong and fast body bends, more ventral, higher-Rin

SUBMITTER: Wang WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5310826 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature