University of St Andrews researchers find neurone in the spine that controls the strength of signals sent to muscles.
Scottish researchers have discovered a “volume dial” neuron that may lead to new therapies for spinal injury.
The discovery of a neurone in the spinal cord that controls the strength of signals sent by motor neurons to muscles was made by Dr Gareth Miles of the University of St Andrews.
The finding could have important implications for conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease and spinal cord injury where muscle weakness or paralysis occurs.
Dr Miles and fellow researchers in North America describe the novel neurone as a “volume dial” that controls how strongly muscles contract during walking.
Dr Miles said: “Walking is initiated by relatively simple ‘start’ signals which are relayed from the brain to the spinal cord.
“Networks of neurons in the spinal cord are then responsible for controlling the complex pattern of muscle contractions which allow us to walk.”
Although scientists have long known that a major type of spinal neuron – the motor neuron – sends signals directly to muscles to make them contract, the identities of other neurons in the spinal cord which control movement have been much more difficult to decipher.
Dr Miles added: “Importantly, this novel neurone allows the strength of muscle contractions to be adjusted to allow us to move in different ways or in different environments.
“It is hoped that by turning up the ‘volume dial’ formed by this new class of neurons, it will be possible to stimulate motor neurons to send stronger signals to muscles to overcome the loss of movement associated with injury and disease.”
The study has been published by the scientific journal Neuron.
In an unusual move marrying science with art, the renowned British artist John Hoyland has allowed one of his paintings “Halo” to be used as a representation of the scientific advancement for the front cover article.
