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The significance of cerebellar function for a reflex movement of the dogfish

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Summary

An elevation of the pectoral fin generated reflexly by electrical stimulation of the fin was studied in decerebrate dogfish (Scyliorhinus) by recording the electromyogram from the levator muscle. This pectoral fin reflex had two components: a phasic lift of the fin lasting for 70–100 ms, followed by a sustained (tonic) elevation lasting for 500–1,000 ms or more. Ablation of the cerebellum resulted in a pronounced depression of the reflex which particularly affected the tonic component. Division of the brainstem at the level of the obex restored both components to the reflex and frequently led to spread of activity to other muscles. It is suggested that in this animal the brainstem generates a powerful tonic inhibitory drive directed at spinal motor circuits and that the cerebellum modulates precisely this inhibitory influence to permit effective and efficient movement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Manchester and the Laboratory of the Marine Biological Association, PL1 2PB, Plymouth, Great Britain

    D. H. Paul & B. L. Roberts

Authors
  1. D. H. Paul
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  2. B. L. Roberts
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Additional information

We wish to thank Prof. D.M. Guthrie for his comments on the manuscript. D.H.P. was supported by a grant from the Science Research Council.

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Paul, D.H., Roberts, B.L. The significance of cerebellar function for a reflex movement of the dogfish. J. Comp. Physiol. 134, 69–74 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00610278

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00610278

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