Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
8 p.
Publication Date
3-28-2012
Publisher
Society for Neuroscience
Source Publication
The Journal of Neuroscience
Source ISSN
0270-6474
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4709-11.2012; PubMed Central: PMCID 3335194
Abstract
Inhibition usually decreases input–output excitability of neurons. If, however, inhibition is coupled to excitation in a push–pull fashion, where inhibition decreases as excitation increases, neuron excitability can be increased. Although the presence of push–pull organization has been demonstrated in single cells, its functional impact on neural processing depends on its effect on the system level. We studied push–pull in the motor output stage of the feline spinal cord, a system that allows independent control of inhibitory and excitatory components. Push–pull organization was clearly present in ankle extensor motoneurons, producing increased peak-to-peak modulation of synaptic currents. The effect at the system level was equally strong. Independent control of the inhibitory component showed that the stronger the background of inhibition, the greater the peak force production. This illustrates the paradox at the heart of push–pull organization: increased force output can be achieved by increasing background inhibition to provide greater disinhibition.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Michael D.; Hyngstrom, Allison; Manuel, Marin; and Heckman, C J., "Push-Pull Control of Motor Output" (2012). Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications. 7.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/phys_therapy_fac/7
Comments
Published Version. Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 32, No. 13 (March 2012): 4592-4599 . DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4709-11.2012 © 2012 The Authors. Used with permission.