Functional organization of V2a-related locomotor circuits in the rodent spinal cord

Kimberly J. Dougherty, Ole Kiehn*

*Corresponding author for this work
42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Studies of mammalian locomotion have been greatly facilitated by the use of the isolated rodent spinal cord preparation that retains the locomotor circuits needed to execute the movement. Physiological and molecular genetic experiments in this preparation have started to unravel the basic circuit organization responsible for walking in mammals. Here, we review these experiments with a focus on the functional role of excitatory V2a interneurons in the mammalian locomotor network. With regard to these neurons and other network structures we also discuss similarities and differences between the mammalian walking central pattern generator (CPG) and the fish swimming CPG.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNeurons and Networks in the Spinal Cord
Number of pages9
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Publication date1 Jan 2010
Pages85-93
ISBN (Print)9781573317788
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010
SeriesAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1198
ISSN0077-8923

Keywords

  • Chx10
  • interneurons
  • locomotion
  • spinal cord
  • transcription factors

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