Common interneurones in reflex pathways from group 1a and 1b afferents of knee flexors and extensors in the cat

Abstract

1. Input from group I afferents of knee flexors and extensors to interneurones in Rexed's laminae V-VI in the cat spinal cord was analysed by use of intracellular recording and electrical stimulation of the nerves to differentiate between group Ia and Ib synaptic actions. The aim was to find out if these interneurones may mediate synaptic actions of both group Ia and Ib afferents. 2. 28% of the forty-nine neurones analysed were excited by both group Ia and group Ib afferents; 32% were inhibited by both and 35% were excited by the one and inhibited by the other. Taking into account all of these actions, input from both subgroups of group I afferents was found in nearly 60% of neurones. Most were also excited and/or inhibited by group I afferents of ankle and toe extensors. 3. Selective (excitatory and/or inhibitory) input from Ia afferents was found in 18% and from Ib afferents in 22% of the neurones. 4. Excitation was evoked from Ia afferents of either knee flexors or extensors but not from both. In several of the neurones Ia i.p.s.p.s were, however, evoked from both posterior biceps-semitendinosus and quadriceps. 5. Intracellular staining with horseradish peroxidase revealed axonal projections of laminae V-VI interneurones to motor nuclei as well as to the intermediate zone, ipsilateral as well as contralateral. No correlation was found between patterns of input from group I afferents and axonal projections, and interneurones co-excited by Ia and Ib afferents were among these with different axonal projections.