Phase-dependent reversal of reflexes mediated by the thoracocoxal muscle receptor organ in the crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus

Both negative feedback, resistance reflexes and positive feedback, assistance reflexes are mediated by the thoracocoxal muscle receptor organ (TCMRO) in the crayfish, depending on the central excitability of the preparation. In this paper the authors present evidence that the velocity-sensitive affer T fiber of the TCMRO may elicit either resistance or assistance reflexes in different preparations. In preparations displaying assistance reflexes, the S and T fibers of the TCMRO exert reciprocal effects on leg motor neurons (MNs). The S fiber excites promotor MNs (negative feedback) and inhibits remotor MNs and T fiber exercise remotor MNs (positive feedback) and inhibits promotor MNs. During reciprocal motor output of promotor and remotor MNs, reflexes mediated by the TCMRO are modulated in a phase-dependent manner. The TCMRO excites promotor MNs during their active phases (negative feedback) but inhibits them during their reciprocal phases. Remotor MNs are excited by the TCMRO during their active phases (positive feedback). It is proposed that depolarizing central inputs that occur in the S and T fibers at opposite phases of the motor output cycle (21) facilitate the output effects of each afferent in alternation, effectively mediating a phase-dependent shift between the effects of one afferent and the other. The implications of central modulation of reflex pathways and the possible functions of positive and negative feedback reflexes during locomotion are discussed.