The optimization of multisystem neurorehabilitation protocols including electrical spinal cord stimulation and multi-directional tasks training require understanding of underlying circuits mechanisms and distribution of the neuronal network over the spinal cord. In this study we compared the locomotor activity during forward and backward stepping in eighteen adult decerebrated cats. Interneuronal spinal networks responsible for forward and backward stepping were visualized using the C-Fos technique. A bi-modal rostrocaudal distribution of C-Fos-immunopositive neurons over the lumbosacral spinal cord (peaks in the L4/L5 and L6/S1 segments) was revealed. These patterns were compared with motoneuronal pools using Vanderhorst and Holstege scheme; the location of the first peak was correspondent to the motoneurons of the hip flexors and knee extensors, an inter-peak drop was presumably attributed to the motoneurons controlling the adductor muscles. Both were better expressed in cats stepping forward and in parallel, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the hip flexor and knee extensors was higher, while EMG activity of the adductor was lower, during this locomotor mode. On the basis of the present data, which showed greater activity of the adductor muscles and the attributed interneuronal spinal network during backward stepping and according with data about greater demands on postural control systems during backward locomotion, we suppose that the locomotor networks for movements in opposite directions are at least partially different.

中文翻译：

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由运动过程中的肌肉活动定义的 C-Fos-免疫阳性脊髓网络的轴尾分布

包括脊髓电刺激和多向任务训练在内的多系统神经康复方案的优化需要了解底层电路机制和神经元网络在脊髓上的分布。在这项研究中，我们比较了 18 只成年去大脑猫在向前和向后迈步时的运动活动。使用 C-Fos 技术对负责向前和向后行走的脊髓间神经网络进行可视化。揭示了 C-Fos 免疫阳性神经元在腰骶脊髓上的双峰轴尾分布（峰值位于 L4/L5 和 L6/S1 段）。使用 Vanderhorst 和 Holstege 方案将这些模式与运动神经元池进行比较；第一个峰的位置对应于髋屈肌和膝伸肌的运动神经元，峰间下降可能归因于控制内收肌的运动神经元。两者在向前和平行行走的猫中表现得更好，在这种运动模式下，髋屈肌和膝伸肌的肌电图 (EMG) 活动较高，而内收肌的肌电图 (EMG) 活动较低。目前的数据表明，在向后迈步过程中，内收肌和所归属的中间神经元脊柱网络的活动更大，并且根据关于向后运动过程中对姿势控制系统的更大需求的数据，我们假设反向运动的运动网络方向至少部分不同。