Discharges of neurons in the midpontine dorsal tegmentum of mesencephalic cat during locomotion.

Discharges of neurons in the midpontine dorsal tegmental field (DTF neurons) were recorded and analyzed during locomotion and were compared with those of reticulospinal neurons (RS neurons) located lateral to the DTF area. The conduction velocity of the descending axon of the DTF neurons was significantly smaller than that of the RS neurons. During locomotion, the DTF neurons showed a tonic increase in the discharge rate. In contrast, the discharge rate of the RS neurons showed cyclic modulation in step with locomotion.