Irregular Firing and High-Conductance States in Spinal Motoneurons during Scratching and Swimming

Robertas Guzulaitis, Jorn Hounsgaard, Aidas Alaburda

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Intense synaptic transmission during scratch network activity increases conductance and induces irregular firing in spinal motoneurons. It is not known whether this high-conductance state is a select feature for scratching or a property that goes with spinal motor network activity in general. Here we compare conductance and firing patterns in spinal motoneurons during network activity for scratching and swimming in an ex vivo carapace-spinal cord preparation from adult turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). The pattern and relative engagement of motoneurons are distinctly different in scratching and swimming. Nevertheless, we found increased synaptic fluctuations in membrane potential, irregular firing, and increased conductance in spinal motoneurons during scratch and swim network activity. Our finding indicates that intense synaptic activation of motoneurons is a general feature of spinal motor network activity.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Volume36
Issue number21
Pages (from-to)5799-5807
Number of pages9
ISSN0270-6474
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 May 2016

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