Ion channels of importance for the locomotor pattern generation in the lamprey brainstem-spinal cord

The intrinsic function of the spinal network that generates locomotion can be studied in the isolated brainstem-spinal cord of the lamprey, a lower ve rtebrate. The motor pattern underlying locomotion can be elicited in the is olated spinal cord. The network consists of excitatory glutamatergic and in hibitory glycinergic interneurones with known connectivity. The current rev iew addresses the different subtypes of ion channels that are present in th e cell types that constitute the network. In particular the roles of the di fferent subtypes of Ca2+ channels and potassium channels that regulate inte grated neuronal functions, like frequency regulation, spike frequency adapt ation and properties that are important for generating features of the moto r pattern (e.g. burst termination), are reviewed. By knowing the role of an ion channel at the cellular level, we also, based on previous knowledge of network connectivity, can understand which effect a given ion channel may exert at the different levels from molecule and cell to network and behavio ur.