Reversal of an Intersegmental Reflex Elicited by A Muscle Receptor Organ

Abstract

ABSTRACT One of the most common reflexes observed in invertebrates is the resistance reflex, in which a proprioceptor at a given joint excites the motor neurones innervating the muscles controlling the joint so as to resist imposed movement (Bush, 1962, 1963, 1965; Barnes, Spirito & Evoy, 1972). As well as these intrasegmental reflexes, proprioceptive reflexes in which sensory information is used to control muscles at joints other than the one spanned by a given proprioceptor have been reported (Ayers & Davis, 1977; Clarac, Vedel & Bush, 1978). These intersegmental reflexes may also control the state of excitation of other receptors (Moody, 1970; Clarac et al. 1978). Resistance reflexes and intersegmental reflexes are presumed to have a role in postural maintenance and load compensation (op. cit.; for review see Mill, 1976). However, resistance reflexes can be suppressed during locomotion (Barnes et al. 1972) and intersegmental reflexes may be modified during walking (Ayers & Davis, 1977). In addition, we have recently shown that a resistance reflex elicited by the thoracic-coxal muscle receptor organ (TCMRO) in the crab can be reversed to become a positive feedback assistance reflex (DiCaprio & Clarac, 1981). In this report we demonstrate that an intersegmental reflex activation of the basipodite levator and depressor motor neurones mediated by the TCMRO can also be reversed with respect to movement of the thoracic-coxal (TC) joint.