Neuromodulation of Spinal Locomotor Networks in Rodents

Title:Neuromodulation of Spinal Locomotor Networks in Rodents

Volume: 23 Issue: 12

Author(s): Manuel Diaz-Ríos*, Pierre A. Guertin and Marla Rivera-Oliver

Affiliation:

• University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Institute of Neurobiology, 201 Boulevard del Valle, San Juan, PR 00901,Puerto Rico

Keywords: Neuromodulation, Spinal Cord, Neurons, Locomotion, CPG, Mouse, Rat.

Abstract: Background: The basic motor patterns driving rhythmic limb movements during walking are generated by networks of neurons called central pattern generators (CPGs). Within motor control systems, neuromodulators are necessary for proper and efficient CPG function because they induce or regulate essential components of spinal network activity, including firing parameters of CPG neurons and network synaptic strength, allowing the network to change/adapt and sometimes to even become functional.

Methods: The goal of this work is to focus on classical and recent findings addressing the role of neuromodulators such as glutamate, dopamine, acetylcholine and adenosine in eliciting, changing and sometimes terminating spinal CPG network function in rodents.

Results: Neuromodulatory inputs onto CPG locomotor networks have been additionally related to inducing state changes such as locomotor timing, phasing and speed, and to the induction/maintenance of actual network function. These inputs originate from supraspinal centers such as the brainstem and from intraspinal neurotransmission. The isolated in vitro rodent spinal cord preparation is a powerful model for studies on locomotor network organization because of its physiological and anatomical accessibility, as well as the incorporation of various transgenic approaches to identify specific neuronal populations. Both roles are accomplished through the action of neuromodulators on ionotropic and metabotropic receptors mediating synaptic neurotransmission, which can be used by neurons that are intrinsic or extrinsic components of a CPG network itself.

Conclusion: This article has hopefully provided a comprehensive overview of some of the main spinal mechanisms involved in the modulatory control of locomotor activity.

Cite this article as:

Diaz-Ríos Manuel*, Guertin A. Pierre and Rivera-Oliver Marla, Neuromodulation of Spinal Locomotor Networks in Rodents, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2017; 23 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612823666170124111729

DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612823666170124111729	Print ISSN 1381-6128
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher	Online ISSN 1873-4286