Effects of the Lateral Vestibulospinal Tract on Rhythmic Discharges Induced by Stimulation of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR) in the Decerebrated Cat

The purpose of this experiment is to confirm the effects of the descending pathway from the lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) on rhythmic discharges induced by stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) in the decerebrated cat. The experiments were performed on 18 adult cats (2.5-4.0 kg) of either sex. The rhythmic discharges produced by the MLR stimulation were recorded from hindlimb extensor muscle (LGS: lateral gastrocnemius and soleus) and flexor muscle (PBST: posterior biceps and semitendinosus) nerves. The LVN stimulation influenced the amplitude and interval of the rhythmic discharges in both extensor and flexor muscle nerves.