像行走或游泳這樣的復(fù)雜運(yùn)動(dòng)，是由嵌入在脊索中的神經(jīng)細(xì)胞網(wǎng)絡(luò)產(chǎn)生的,。對(duì)小鼠所做的一項(xiàng)新的研究工作,，首次發(fā)現(xiàn)了這樣的一個(gè)亞組的神經(jīng)細(xì)胞，它們控制運(yùn)動(dòng)的速度,。將遺傳和電生理方法獨(dú)特地結(jié)合起來(lái)所做的一項(xiàng)研究工作顯示,，這些細(xì)胞何以能夠幫助確定脊索神經(jīng)細(xì)胞的有節(jié)奏的活動(dòng)。研究神經(jīng)失調(diào)問(wèn)題的科學(xué)家，應(yīng)當(dāng)對(duì)這項(xiàng)工作感興趣,。有趣的是,，服務(wù)于這一功能的V1神經(jīng)細(xì)胞（初級(jí)視覺(jué)神經(jīng)元），是在游泳和行走的脊椎動(dòng)物之間保留下來(lái)的,。
The neuronal networks that generate vertebrate movements such as walking and swimming are embedded in the spinal cord. These networks, which are referred to as central pattern generators (CPGs), are ideal systems for determining how ensembles of neurons generate simple behavioural outputs. In spite of efforts to address the organization of the locomotor CPG in walking animals, little is known about the identity and function of the spinal interneuron cell types that contribute to these locomotor networks. Here we use four complementary genetic approaches to directly address the function of mouse V1 neurons, a class of local circuit inhibitory interneurons that selectively express the transcription factor Engrailed1. Our results show that V1 neurons shape motor outputs during locomotion and are required for generating 'fast' motor bursting. These findings outline an important role for inhibition in regulating the frequency of the locomotor CPG rhythm, and also suggest that V1 neurons may have an evolutionarily conserved role in controlling the speed of vertebrate locomotor movements.
原始出處：
Gosgnach S, Lanuza GM, Butt SJ, Saueressig H, Zhang Y, Velasquez T, Riethmacher D, Callaway EM, Kiehn O, Goulding M. V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs.
Nature. 2006 Mar 9;440(7081):215-9.
