POLYSYNAPTIC NEURONAL PATHWAYS FROM GROUP-I AND GROUP-II AFFERENTS INNERVATING TAIL MUSCLES TO HINDLIMB MOTONEURONS IN THE CAT

Postsynaptic potentials evoked in motoneurons innervating m. posterior biceps and semitendinosus (PBSt) and m. triceps surae (GS) by low thr eshold afferents from various tail muscles located at the level of the second-third caudal vertebrae were investigated in the non-anesthetiz ed and spinalized cat. Afferent inputs from tail muscles on both sides predominantly evoked depolarizing potential in PBSt motoneurons and h yperpolarizing potential in GS motoneurons. The findings suggest that in general, tail muscle afferents facilitate flexor and inhibit extens or hindlimb motoneurons through polysynaptic pathways, so that the pel vic girdle is kept in a low position to maintain the stability of the body irrespective of different movements or posture of the tail. (C) 1 998 Elsevier Science B.V.