Method for stable intracellular recordings of spinal alpha-motoneurons during treadmill walking in awake, intact cats.

A method is described for recording from spinal alpha-motoneurons, which are identified according to muscle innervated, with an intracellular microelectrode during treadmill walking in awake, normally respiring, intact, adult cats. The procedure involves the implantation of an orthopedic-style spinal unit, the training of the subject to locomote on the treadmill with the lumbar region restrained, and the micropipette recording of motoneurons through a small laminotomy.