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Bilateral actions of the reticulospinal tract on arm and shoulder muscles in the monkey: stimulus triggered averaging

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Abstract

The motor output of the pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) was investigated to determine the reticulospinal system’s capacity for bilateral control of the upper limbs. Stimulus triggered electromyographic averages (StimulusTA) were constructed from muscles of both upper limbs while two awake monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) performed a reaching task using either arm. Extensor and flexor muscles were studied at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder; muscles acting on the scapula were also studied. Post-stimulus effects (PStEs) resulted from 435 (81%) of 535 sites tested. Of 1611 PStEs analyzed, 58% were post-stimulus suppression (PStS), and 42% were post-stimulus facilitation (PStF). Onset latency was earlier for PStF than PStS, duration was longer for PStS, and amplitude was larger for PStF. Ipsilateral and contralateral PStEs were equally prevalent; bilateral responses were typical. In the ipsilateral forelimb and shoulder, the prevalent pattern was flexor PStF and extensor PStS; the opposite pattern was prevalent contralaterally. Sites producing strong ipsilateral upper trapezius PStF were concentrated in a region caudal and ventral to abducens. The majority of muscles studied had no clear somatotopic organization. Overall, the results indicate the monkey PMRF has the capacity to support bilateral coordination of limb movements using reciprocal actions within a limb and between sides.

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Ackowledgments

We thank Stephanie Moran for excellent technical assistance in all aspects of the project and Neena Joseph for assistance in developing software for control of the task. Thanks also to Wendy Herbert, Melanie McClain, Kristen Keen, Cheryl Fortney, and Chris Figgins for helpful comments on a draft of the manuscript. This work was supported in part by NIH NINDS R01 NS037822 to JAB.

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  1. Adam G. Davidson

    Present address: Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester Medical School, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 603, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroscience Graduate Studies Program, The Ohio State University, 1583 Perry Street, Rm 516G, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Adam G. Davidson & John A. Buford

  2. Division of Physical Therapy, The Ohio State University, 1583 Perry Street, Rm 516G, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    John A. Buford

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  1. Adam G. Davidson
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Correspondence to John A. Buford.

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Davidson, A.G., Buford, J.A. Bilateral actions of the reticulospinal tract on arm and shoulder muscles in the monkey: stimulus triggered averaging. Exp Brain Res 173, 25–39 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-006-0374-1

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