Interactions in human quadriceps-triceps surae motoneuron pathways

Abstract

In an effort to more fully investigate spinal reflex pathways in humans, we measured the isometric force-time curve of the patellar (PTR) and Achilles (ATR) tendon-tap reflex in 12 college age subjects. We also conditioned the tendon jerk with a contralateral or ipsilateral tendon-tap stimulus, to ascertain the effects of segmental inputs on crossed-spinal reflex activity. The conditioning stimulus preceded the test reflex by 25, 40, 55, 70, 85, 100, 115, 130 or 145 ms. The results demonstrate that a tap to the contralateral patellar tendon produced long-latency excitation of quadriceps motoneurons, but a tap to the contralateral Achilles tendon produced short-latency facilitation and long-latency inhibition of the triceps surae motoneurons. Also, a conditioning tap to the contra- or ipsilateral patellar tendon produced a brief short-latency facilitation that was followed by a distinct, long-latency inhibition of triceps surae motoneurons. These results demonstrate that motoneuron excitability changes can be produced as a result of ispi- and contralateral segmental inputs. Moreover, these excitability changes may be long-lasting and only appear after a relatively long-latency. Several neurophysiological mechanisms are proposed to contribute to these changes.