Antidromic impulsation of the dorsal roots at the time of real locomotion in rats

The antidromic activity of dorsal roots during swimming and stepping of rats was studied. It consisted of phase-dependent and tonic components of antidromic potentials. The most pronounced correlation was found between the intensity of antidromic activity and afferent input while the relation between the antidromic activity and efferent output was less appreciable. Possible sources for the initiation of antidromic activity and the significance of presynaptic depolarization in the spinal reflex control are discussed.