Innervation pattern of a pool of nine excitatory motor neurons in the flexor tibiae muscle of a locust hind leg

1998 ◽  
Vol 201 (12) ◽  
pp. 1885-1893 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Sasaki ◽  
M Burrows
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Intracellular Recordings ◽  
Innervation Pattern ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Fibre Bundles ◽  
Metathoracic Ganglion ◽  
Overlapping Sets ◽  
Individual Motor

The flexor tibiae muscle of a locust hind leg consists of 10-11 pairs of fibre bundles in the main body of the muscle and a distal pair of bundles that form the accessory flexor muscle, all of which insert onto a common tendon. It is much smaller than the antagonistic extensor tibiae muscle and yet it is innervated by nine excitatory motor neurons, compared with only two for the extensor. To determine the pattern of innervation within the muscle by individual motor neurons, branches of the nerve (N5B2) that supplies the different muscle bundles were backfilled to reveal somata in the metathoracic ganglion. This showed that different muscle bundles are innervated by different numbers of excitatory motor neurons. Physiological mapping of the innervation was then carried out by intracellular recordings from the somata of flexor motor neurons in the metathoracic ganglion using microelectrodes. Spikes were evoked in these neurons by the injection of current, and matching junctional potentials were sought in fibres throughout the muscle using a second intracellular electrode. Each motor neuron innervates only a restricted array of muscle fibres and, although some innervate a larger array than others, none innervates fibres throughout the muscle. Some motor neurons innervate only proximal fibres and others only more distal fibres, so that the most proximal and most distal bundles of muscle fibres are innervated by non-overlapping sets of motor neurons. More motor neurons innervate proximal bundles than distal ones, and there are some asymmetries in the number of motor neurons innervating corresponding bundles on either side of the tendon. Individual motor neurons cause slow, fast or intermediate movements of the tibia, but their patterns of innervation overlap in the different muscle bundles. Furthermore, individual muscle fibres may also be innervated by motor neurons with different properties.

Action of locust neuromodulatory neurons is coupled to specific motor patterns

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 347-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Burrows ◽  
H. J. Pfluger
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Motor Pattern ◽  
Intracellular Recordings ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Specific Subset ◽  
Metathoracic Ganglion ◽  
Flexor Muscles ◽  
Dum Neurons ◽  
Dorsal Unpaired Median

1. Many muscles of the locust are supplied by dorsal unpaired median neurons (DUM neurons) that release octopamine and alter the contractions caused by spikes in motor neurons. To determine when these neuromodulatory neurons are normally activated during behaviour, intracellular recordings were made simultaneously from them and from identified motor neurons during the specific motor pattern that underlies kicking. A kick consists of a rapid and powerful extension of the tibia of one or both hind legs that is produced by a defined motor pattern. Only 3 identified DUM neurons of the 20 in the metathoracic ganglion spike during a kick, and they supply muscles involved in generating the kick. Their spikes occur in a distinctive and repeatable pattern that is closely linked to the pattern of spikes in the flexor and extensor tibiae motor neurons. When the extensor and flexor muscles cocontract, these three DUM neurons produce a burst of spikes at frequencies that can rise to 25 Hz, and with the number of spikes (3-15) related to the duration of this phase of the motor pattern. The spikes stop when the flexor muscle is inhibited and therefore before the tibia is extended rapidly. The other DUM neurons which supply muscles that are not directly involved in kicking are either inhibited or spike only sporadically. 2. The activation of a specific subset of DUM neurons during kicking may thus be timed to influence the action of the muscles that participate in this movement and appear to be controlled by the same circuits that determine the actions of the participating motor neurons. These modulatory neurons thus have specific individual actions in the control of movement.

scholarly journals Innervation patterns of inhibitory motor neurones in the thorax of the locust

1985 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 401-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Hale ◽  
M. Burrows
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Recording ◽  
Simultaneous Recording ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Innervation Pattern ◽  
Synaptic Coupling ◽  
Synaptic Inputs ◽  
Metathoracic Ganglion ◽  
Innervation Patterns ◽  
Motor Neurones ◽  
The Common

The innervation pattern of inhibitory motor neurones of the locust has been revealed by intracellular recording from their cell bodies in the meso- and metathoracic ganglion and simultaneous recording from muscle fibres in a middle, or in a hind leg. Three neurones in each ganglion, the common inhibitor (CI = CI1), the anterior inhibitor (AI = CI2), and the posterior inhibitor (PI = CI3) innervate several muscles in one leg and are thus common inhibitory neurones. Metathoracic CI innervates 13 muscles in one hind leg and mesothoracic CI innervates 12 muscles in one middle leg. The muscles are all in the proximal parts of the legs and move the coxa, the trochanter and the tibia. Metathoracic AI and PI innervate four muscles in the more distal parts of one hind leg that move the tibia, the tarsus and the unguis. None of these muscles is innervated by CI. Each inhibitor innervates muscles that have different and often antagonistic actions during movements of a leg. AI and PI receive many synaptic inputs in common and show similar patterns of spikes during imposed movements of a tibia. Tests fail, however, to reveal evidence for any electrical or synaptic coupling between them. A revised scheme of nomenclature for these inhibitory neurones is proposed.

The processing of mechanosensory information by spiking local interneurons in the locust

1985 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Burrows
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
The Body ◽  
Direct Stimulation ◽  
Response Characteristics ◽  
Local Interneurons ◽  
Metathoracic Ganglion ◽  
Different Response ◽  
Individual Motor ◽  
Stimulation Of

The responses and receptive fields of a group of spiking local interneurons in the metathoracic ganglion of the locust were defined by making intracellular recordings from them while moving joints of a hindleg and stimulating external mechanoreceptors. Some interneurons respond both to inputs from internal mechanoreceptors (proprioceptors) at particular joints and to inputs from an array of external mechanoreceptors. The effects of both types of receptor can be excitatory or inhibitory. Other interneurons respond to proprioceptive input alone. There is a spectrum of responses. At one extreme are interneurons that respond tonically, the frequency of their spikes being determined by the angle of a particular joint. At the other extreme are interneurons that respond phasically to imposed movements of a joint in any direction. Inbetween are interneurons that respond with either a rapidly or a more slowly adapting change in the frequency of their spikes to the displacement of a joint in only one direction. Each movement of a particular joint excites or inhibits several interneurons with a range of different response characteristics. An interneuron typically receives inputs from only one joint, though some are excited by both femoral and tibial receptors. The interneurons spike during active movements of a leg elicited by direct stimulation of individual motor neurons, and during movements elicited by tactile stimulation of other parts of the body.

scholarly journals The interaction between two trains of impulses converging on the same motoneurone

1929 ◽  
Vol 105 (738) ◽  
pp. 363-371 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Effect ◽  
The Other ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Afferent Pathways ◽  
Afferent Nerves ◽  
Maximal Stimulation ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Stimulation Of

It was shown in an earlier paper (7) that if maximal stimulation of either of two different afferent nerves can reflexly excite fractions of a given flexor muscle, there are generally, within the aggregate of neurones which innervate that muscle, motoneurones which can be caused to discharge by either afferent (i. e., motoneurones common to both fractions). The relationship which two such afferents bear to a common motoneurone was shown, by the isometric method of recording contraction, to be such that the activation of one afferent, at a speed sufficient to cause a maximal motor tetanus when trans­mitted to the muscle fibres, caused exclusion of any added mechanical effect when the other afferent was excited concurrently. This default in mechanical effect was called “occlusion.” Occlusion may conceivably be due to total exclusion of the effect of one afferent pathway on the common motoneurone by the activity of the other; but facilitation of the effect of one path by the activation of the other when the stimuli were minimal suggests that, in some circumstances at least, the effect of each could augment and summate with th at of the other at the place of convergence of two afferent pathways. Further investigation, using the action currents of the muscle as indication of the nerve impulses discharged by the motoneurone units, has now given some information regarding the effect of impulses arriving at the locus of convergence by one afferent path when the unit common to both is already discharging in response to impulses arriving by the other afferent path. Our method has been to excite both afferent nerves in overlapping sequence by series of break shocks at a rapid rate and to examine the action currents of the resulting reflex for evidence of the appearance of the rhythm of the second series in the discharge caused by the first when the two series are both reaching the motoneurone.

The Function of a Heteromorph Antennule in a Spiny Lobster, Panulirus Argus

1965 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-78
Author(s):  
D. M. MAYNARD ◽  
M. J. COHEN
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Spiny Lobster ◽  
Panulirus Argus ◽  
Intracellular Recordings ◽  
Afferent Fibre ◽  
The Third ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Withdrawal Response ◽  
Basic Similarity ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. The effects of electrical and mechanical stimulation upon a ‘naturally occurring’ heteromorph appendage growing in place of one eyestalk in Panulirus argus were examined. The heteromorph resembled the outer flagellum of the antennule in form. 2. Heteromorph stimulation elicited both a generalized withdrawal response, and a specific depression of the third segment and flagellum of the ipsilateral antennule. Such a depression response was also elicited upon stimulation of the ipsilateral outer flagellum of the normal antennule and by no other input investigated. 3. The basic similarity of the two responses was confirmed by electromyography and by intracellular recordings from motor neurons and interneurons within the lobster brain. 4. It was concluded that at least one afferent fibre component from the heteromorph and normal flagellum terminated upon the same interneuron pools, while avoiding others, and that consequently these observations provide evidence for the formation of functional inter-neuronal connexions according to type specificity.

Motor neurons of grasshopper metathoracic ganglion occur in stereotypic anatomical groups

1990 ◽  
Vol 297 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melody V. S. Siegler ◽  
Cynthia A. Pousman
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Metathoracic Ganglion

Serotonergic modulation of locust motor neurons

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 923-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Schistocerca Gregaria ◽  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Metathoracic Ganglion ◽  
Bath Application ◽  
Potassium Conductances ◽  
5 Ht Uptake

1. The effects of the putative endogenous neuromodulator serotonin (5-HT) on the fast extensor and flexor tibiae motor neurons in the locust (Schistocerca gregaria) metathoracic ganglion, were analyzed. 2. 5-HT consistently increased the duration of the fast extensor spike and usually reduced the afterhyperpolarization, although this effect was less consistent. The spike broadening in the fast extensor was associated with an increase in the amplitude of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) evoked monosynaptically in the flexor motor neurons by fast extensor stimulation. 5-HT also increased the membrane resistance of the fast extensor and flexor tibiae motor neurons. 3. The effects of 5-HT were mimicked by bath application of the 5-HT uptake inhibitor imipramine, and blocked by the 5-HT receptor antagonist ketanserin. The effects were also mimicked by dibutryl cyclic AMP, a membrane permeant analogue of cyclic AMP, and by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine, but not by dibutryl cyclic GMP. The 5-HT-dependent modulation was blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H8. In addition, injection of cyclic AMP into the fast extensor or a flexor motor neuron could mimic the effects of 5-HT on these neurons. 4. 5-HT probably broadened the FETi action potential by modulating potassium conductances responsible for spike repolarization. 5. These results show that 5-HT modulates both the fast extensor and flexor tibiae motor neurons, resulting in potentiation of synaptic transmission between these neurons. In addition, the increase in flexor membrane resistance will potentiate other inputs onto these cells, which will affect the output of the motor neurons during locomotion.

scholarly journals Myomirnas Role in Als Suggest a Crosstalk between Muscle and Motor Neuron

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Pegoraro ◽  
Antonio Merico ◽  
Corrado Angelini
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Motor Neuron ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Muscle Atrophy ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Neuromuscular Junctions ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Wide Range

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder caused by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The disease process leads from lower motor neuron involvement to progressive muscle atrophy, weakness, fasciculations for the upper motor neuron involvement to spasticity. Muscle atrophy in ALS is caused by a dysregulation in the molecular network controlling fast and slow muscle fibres. Denervation and reinnervation processes in skeletal muscle occur in the course of ALS and are modulated by rehabilitation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate a wide range of biological functions under various pathophysiological conditions. MiRNAs can be secreted by various cell types and they are markedly stable in body fluids. MiR-1, miR-133 a, miR-133b, and miR-206 are called “myomiRs” and are considered markers of myogenesis during muscle regeneration and neuromuscular junction stabilization or sprouting. We observed a positive effect of a standard aerobic exercise rehabilitative protocol conducted for six weeks in 18 ALS patients during hospitalization in our center. We correlated clinical scales with molecular data on myomiRs. After six weeks of moderate aerobic exercise, myomiRNAs were down-regulated, suggesting an active proliferation of satellite cells in muscle and increased neuromuscular junctions. Our data suggest that circulating miRNAs modulate during skeletal muscle recovery in response to physical rehabilitation in ALS.

The Motor Innervation and Musculature of the Antennule of the Hermit Crab, Pagurus Alaskensis (Benedict)

1973 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 767-784
Author(s):  
P. J. SNOW
Keyword(s):  
Hermit Crab ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Intracellular Recordings ◽  
Motor Innervation ◽  
Postsynaptic Inhibition ◽  
Tonic Component ◽  
Whole Muscle ◽  
Tonic Tension

1. The motor innervation and musculature of the medial and distal segments of the hermit-crab antennule have been described anatomically. 2. Intracellular recordings within these muscles and simultaneous monitoring of whole-muscle tension have been used to define the motoneurones and contractile properties of the muscle fibres they innervate. 3. The motor system consists of two fast, two slow and one mixed muscle which are innervated by seven motoneurones. 4. The motor innervation is such that this system may be divided into three components: phasic, phasic-tonic and tonic. The possible involvement of these components in the antennular activities is discussed. 5. The tonic component is adapted to produce fine tonic tension in response to relatively low-frequency (5-10/sec) motoneurone discharge. It is suggested that this may be important for the postural control of appendages which, owing to the density of the environmental medium, are relatively weightless. 6. No evidence of postsynaptic inhibition was found, and this is discussed in relation to the movements of the antennule.

An Arthropod Muscle Innervated by Nine Excitatory Motor Neurones

1980 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 249-258
Author(s):  
CHRISTINE E. PHILLIPS
Keyword(s):  
Action Potentials ◽  
Motor Neurone ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Relaxation Rates ◽  
Motor Neurones ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Contraction And Relaxation ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Individual Motor ◽  
Indirect Stimulation

The anatomical and physiological organization of the locust metathoracic flexor tibiae was examined by a combination of intracellular recording and electron microscopy. Nine excitatory motor neurones, three fast, three intermediate and three slow innervate the muscle; each is uniquely identifiable using a combination of physiological response and soma location. A simple spatial distribution of inputs to the muscle from the individual motor neurones was not found. Individual muscle fibres responded to as many as seven of the motor neurones in various combinations. The muscle fibres are heterogeneous, ranging from slow (tonic) to fast (phasic) in a continuum from predominantly phasic proximally to tonicdistally. This is demonstrated by contraction and relaxation rates to directand indirect stimulation, as well as contraction elicited by action potentials in a single flexor motor neurone. The fast and slow contractile properties of the muscle fibres are matched by appropriate ultrastructures. Such a high degree of complexity of neuromuscular innervation as that found in the metathoracic flexor tibiae has not previously been described for an arthropod muscle.

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