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Two identified afferent neurones entrain a central locomotor rhythm generator

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Abstract

Sensory feedback can modulate the intensity and timing of the central rhythms underlying locomotion and adjust them to compensate for natural or experimental perturbations1–4. However, because of the complexity of the neural systems involved, the role of specific sense organs and the function of individual afferent neurones are poorly understood. The thoracic-coxal muscle receptor organ (TCMRO), a proprioceptor of the crayfish walking leg, has only two afferent neurones, the non-spiking S and T fibres. Their receptor potentials encode, respectively, the magnitude and velocity of receptor muscle stretch, which occurs during limb remotion (retraction). Rhythmically stretching the TCMRO entrains a central locomotor rhythm, produced by the thoracic ganglia, in which remotor and promotor motoneurones of the leg discharge in alternation. Intracellular stimulation of the S and T fibres can trigger promotor and remotor bursts, respectively. Here we propose a mechanism for proprioceptive entrainment in terms of the opposite feedback effects of these two afferents. The possible role of these effects in the feedback control of locomotion is also discussed.

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Author notes

  1. Keith T. Sillar: Department of Zoology, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK

  2. Peter Skorupski: Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Bristol, Park Row, Bristol, BSI 5LS, UK

    Keith T. Sillar, Peter Skorupski, Robert C. Elson & Brian M. H. Bush

Authors
  1. Keith T. Sillar
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  2. Peter Skorupski
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  3. Robert C. Elson
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  4. Brian M. H. Bush
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Sillar, K., Skorupski, P., Elson, R. et al. Two identified afferent neurones entrain a central locomotor rhythm generator. Nature 323, 440–443 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/323440a0

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