The Effect of DOPA on the Spinal Cord 6. Half‐centre organization of interneurones transmitting effects from the flexor reflex afferents

Abstract

In unanaesthetized spinal cats a systematic microelectrode exploration has been made in the lumbosacral spinal cord in order to find interneurones that may transmit the late longlasting reflex effects that volleys in the FRA (flexor reflex afferents) evoke after an intravenous injection of DOPA. Interneurones that may transmit these late effects are found in the lateral part of Rexed's layer VII and three main types are identified: A) cells activated from the ipsilateral FRA and inhibited from the contralateral FRA, B) cells activated from the contralateral FRA and inhibited from the ipsilateral FRA, C) cells activated from both the ipsilateral and contralateral FRA. The receptive fields and other criteria employed suggest that type A and B transmit excitatory action to flexor and extensor motoneurones respectively, and type C depolatization to Ia afferent terminals. The functional organization of these pathways is discussed mainly in relation to the mechanisms responsible for the long latency and duration of the discharge.