Rodent Isolated Spinal Cord Preparations to Examine Motor Output

Understanding mammalian neural networks such as the central pattern generator (CPG) for locomotion requires the use of multiple experimental models. In vitro approaches provide easy access to the spinal cord, thus allowing more experimental tools to be used. In this chapter, some established and new tools are outlined that are being used to advance our understanding of CPG function at both cellular and �network levels. A variety of in vitro models exist including the isolated spinal cord, brainstem-spinal cord, and spinal cord leg-attached preparations. There are also a variety of ways to activate spinal CPGs using these preparations. Choosing which preparation and mode of CPG activation will vary depending on the question being asked. This chapter will review some of the common approaches used and also examine optogenetic, genetic, and Ca²⁺ imaging approaches that are being used to dissect the structure and function of CPGs.