ИСТИНА

Background: The neurotransmitter systems widely distributed throughout the spinal cord are involved in the regulation of various essential functions. Previously it was shown that alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (clonidine, tizanidine and others) can initiate/modulate locomotion in different species. However, to date there is no data about the role of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors subtypes in generation or modulation of stepping movement. Aims: Investigation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor subtypes in the locomotor function in the acute decerebrated cat model. Method(s) and materials: in the acute decerebrated cat model the kinematic, EMG and evoked potentials parameters of stepping movement were estimated during the tail pinching, epidural stimulation (ES) and folelimb+ES locomotion after the administration of alpha-2A. 2B and 2C antagonists, respectively. Results: different alpha-2 adrenergic receptors subtypes had different patterns of influence on the cat locomotor function. Blocking of alpha-2C adrenergic receptors led to decrease of EMG activity and reduced the amplitude of short- and long-latency potentials. Conclusions: The results of this work can be used as a guiding vector for development of effective pharmacotherapy of CNS disorders accompanied with the locomotor function disturbances.