Facilitatory interaction between cutaneous afferents from low threshold mechanoreceptors and nociceptors in segmental reflex pathways to alpha-motoneurons

Brain Res. 1983 Jan 31;260(1):131-4. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(83)90773-4.

Abstract

EPSPs evoked by air puff stimulation of the hairy skin of the hindlimb or by low strength stimulation of the lateral sural nerve were facilitated by radiant heat of 50-53 degrees C but not by radiant heat of 42-43 degrees C. The results indicate that afferents from low threshold mechanoreceptors and from nociceptors of the skin converge onto common interneurons in reflex pathways to alpha-motoneurons. This would allow a functionally useful cooperation of these two types of afferents in spinal motor control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Hindlimb / innervation
  • Mechanoreceptors / physiology*
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Muscles / innervation
  • Nociceptors / physiology*
  • Reflex / physiology*
  • Skin / innervation*
  • Spinal Cord / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission*
  • Touch / physiology