像行走或游泳这样的复杂运动，是由嵌入在脊索中的神经细胞网络产生的。对小鼠所做的一项新的研究工作，首次发现了这样的一个亚组的神经细胞，它们控制运动的速度。将遗传和电生理方法独特地结合起来所做的一项研究工作显示，这些细胞何以能够帮助确定脊索神经细胞的有节奏的活动。研究神经失调问题的科学家，应当对这项工作感兴趣。有趣的是，服务于这一功能的V1神经细胞（初级视觉神经元），是在游泳和行走的脊椎动物之间保留下来的。
The neuronal networks that generate vertebrate movements such as walking and swimming are embedded in the spinal cord. These networks, which are referred to as central pattern generators (CPGs), are ideal systems for determining how ensembles of neurons generate simple behavioural outputs. In spite of efforts to address the organization of the locomotor CPG in walking animals, little is known about the identity and function of the spinal interneuron cell types that contribute to these locomotor networks. Here we use four complementary genetic approaches to directly address the function of mouse V1 neurons, a class of local circuit inhibitory interneurons that selectively express the transcription factor Engrailed1. Our results show that V1 neurons shape motor outputs during locomotion and are required for generating 'fast' motor bursting. These findings outline an important role for inhibition in regulating the frequency of the locomotor CPG rhythm, and also suggest that V1 neurons may have an evolutionarily conserved role in controlling the speed of vertebrate locomotor movements.
原始出处：
Gosgnach S, Lanuza GM, Butt SJ, Saueressig H, Zhang Y, Velasquez T, Riethmacher D, Callaway EM, Kiehn O, Goulding M. V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs.
Nature. 2006 Mar 9;440(7081):215-9.
