Cross-correlation analysis of the response of units in the dorsal spinocerebellar tract (DSCT) to muscle stretch and contraction

Brain Res. 1983 Dec 5;280(2):339-42. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(83)90064-1.

Abstract

Activity of DSCT units was cross-correlated with stimuli evoking gastrocnemius-soleus muscle stretch or contraction in order to investigate the muscle receptor input to DSCT. The most potent stimulus was generally muscle contraction, and the most common response one of inhibition. The similarity in response of many units to stretch, contraction and nerve simulation suggests that Golgi tendon organs are prominent source of input to DSCT, and that much of this input is inhibitory.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Cerebellum / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Microelectrodes
  • Muscle Contraction*
  • Muscle Relaxation
  • Spinal Cord / physiology*