On the role of central program and afferent inflow in the control of scratching movements in the cat

Abstract

Rhythmical scratching movements of the hindlimb were evoked in decerebrate and decapitate cats by stimulation of C1-C2 segments of the spinal cord. Movements of the limb and electrical activity of its muscles were recorded. All muscles were divided into two groups according to their activity. Muscles of the first group supported the limb in a propriate position; they were active during most of the cycle and relaxed during small intervals when muscles of the second group contracted. A deafferented limb was also capable of rhythmical scratching movements with approximately the same cycle duration. However, after deafferentation, the mean position of the limb changed and the amplitude of oscillations increased. This is due mainly to decreased activity of the first group muscles. In curarized preparations, stimulation of C1-C2 segments evoked a rhythmical process within the lumbosacral spinal cord ('fictive' scratching) with a cycle duration nearly the same as in normal scratching. Electrical activity of the muscle nerves during 'fictive' scratching resembled that of corresponding muscles during normal movements. 'Fictive' scratching could be easily elicited provided that the limb was put in a position similar to that of normal scratching.