Activation of NMDA receptors elicits fictive locomotion and bistable membrane properties in the lamprey spinal cord.

The motor pattern underlying locomotion in the lamprey can be elicited in the spinal cord in vitro by applying excitatory amino acids that activate NMDA receptors. When this is done oscillatory membrane potentials phase-linked with the locomotory rhythm can be recorded in different types of neurones. In some spinal neurones large amplitude oscillation continues after elimination of synaptic input with application of TTX. This oscillatory pacemaker-like activity is dependent on an activation of NMDA receptors, and is probably important in the generation of locomotion.