Response of rubromotoneuronal cells identified by spike-triggered averaging of EMG activity in awake monkeys

Abstract

Red nucleus neurons were recorded in awake monkeys during alternating ramp-and-hold wrist movements into flexion and extension position zones. Spike-triggered averages (STAs) of rectified EMG activity of wrist flexor and extensor muscles were computed to document effects of single RN cells on the activity of forelimb motoneurons. Some red nucleus cells produced a transient short-latency post-spike facilitation (PSF) of motor unit firing probability, indicative of underlying rubromotoneuronal (RM) connections. We, therefore, termed these RM cells. The discharge of wrist-related red nucleus cells was more strongly correlated with the dynamic than static component of wrist movement.