Journal of Neurophysiology

Deep brain stimulation of A13 region evokes robust locomotory response in rats

In this episode, coauthors Anupam Bisht and Cecilia Badenhorst discuss their study, “Deep brain stimulation of A13 region evokes robust locomotory response in rats.” Their research demonstrates that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the A13 region in rats robustly increases locomotor activity without inducing anxiety using a novel wireless stimulation approach, suggesting that A13 may be a promising therapeutic target for gait dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. 

 

Deep brain stimulation of A13 region evokes robust locomotory response in rats

Anupam Bisht, Cecilia Badenhorst, Zelma H. T. Kiss, Kartikeya Murari, and Patrick J. Whelan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:5, 1594-1606

Pharmacological modulation of the M-current shapes locomotor function in developing zebrafish

In this episode, coauthors Stephanie Gaudreau and Tuan Bui discuss their recently published research, “Pharmacological modulation of the M-current shapes locomotor function in developing zebrafish.” For the first time, they show that the M-current influences escape responses and swimming in larval zebrafish, with experiments in isolated spinal preparations revealing its presence in spinal circuits.

Pharmacological modulation of the M-current shapes locomotor function in developing zebrafish

Stephanie F. Gaudreau and Tuan V. Bui

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:6, 1795-1806

Legacy of Dr. Joseph Erlanger: A Conversation with Dorothy Erlanger and Dr. Nino Ramirez

In our latest episode, Journal of Neurophysiology Editor-in-Chief Dr. Nino Ramirez discusses the life and scientific legacy of Dr. Joseph Erlanger with Dr. Erlanger’s granddaughter, Dorothy Erlanger. While the world knows Dr. Joseph Erlanger as a scientific pioneer in the fields of neuroscience and cardiovascular science, Dorothy Erlanger remembers her grandfather as a humble person who enjoyed weekly dinners and playing cards with his family. His work as an experimental pioneer led Dr. Erlanger, along with his collaborator Dr. Herbert Gasser, to be the first to visualize an action potential with the cathode-ray oscilloscope. This discovery led to Dr. Erlanger being awarded the Nobel Prize and continues to drive scientific discovery to this day. Listen as Dorothy Erlanger shares anecdotes about her grandfather’s real life as a scientist with engaging personal details, such as the description of the challenges Dr. Erlanger faced trying to obtain clean electrophysiological tracings with a streetcar line running beside the laboratory building. Dr. Ramirez shares the fascinating history of why Dr. Erlanger’s work was so revolutionary. How did Dr. Erlanger’s discovery about the complexities of differently shaped action potentials lead to breakthroughs in anesthesia, analgesia, and our understanding of pain? Listen now and find out.

 

Erlanger Family Gifts Renowned Physiologist’s Nobel Medal to APS

Higher hyperpolarization activated current (Ih) in a subpopulation of interneurons in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampus of Fragile X mice

In this episode, coauthor Lauren Hewitt discusses her recently published study, “Higher hyperpolarization activated current (I_h) in a subpopulation of interneurons in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampus of Fragile X mice.” The research examines how inhibitory interneurons are altered in a fragile X mouse model, revealing that increased Ih current reduces the excitability of a specific interneuron subtype. These findings highlight how changes in voltage-gated ion channel function can disrupt the brain’s excitatory/inhibitory balance, offering new insights into circuit dysfunction in fragile X syndrome.

 

Higher hyperpolarization-activated current in a subpopulation of interneurons in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampus of fragile X mice

 

Lauren T. Hewitt, Alyssa M. Marron, and Darrin H. Brager

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:5, 1558-1571

Emerging evidence on the effects of electrode arrangements and other parameters on the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology’s podcast series, coauthor Andrea Gigliotti discusses the newly published review, “Emerging evidence on the effects of electrode arrangements and other parameters on the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation.” Gigliotti explains how computer simulations are helping researchers understand the role of electrode placement, polarity, and tissue properties in shaping tsDCS outcomes. He also describes why dosage may matter less than previously thought and what future trials should consider to make tsDCS more effective in both research and clinical settings.

 

Emerging evidence on the effects of electrode arrangements and other parameters on the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation

Andrea Gigliotti and Hugo M. Pereira

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:2, 709-721

Motor Unit Firing Rates During Arm Cycling vs. Isometric Contractions

In this episode, coauthor Daniel C. Basile discusses the team’s newly published research, "Investigating motor unit firing rates during arm cycling compared with intensity-matched isometric contractions in humans." Until now, motor unit firing rates (MUFRs) during upper-limb locomotor tasks had not been recorded in humans, leaving gaps in our understanding of how motor units behave during dynamic, CPG-mediated activity. Using indwelling fine-wire electrodes, the study reveals that MUFRs are significantly higher during arm cycling compared to isometric contractions, pointing to distinct neural control strategies between these movement types. Tune in to explore the implications for motor control and rehabilitation science.

 

Investigating motor unit firing rates during arm cycling compared with intensity-matched isometric contractions in humans

Daniel C. Basile, Alysha D. Wira, Charles L. Rice, and Kevin E. Power

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 134:1, 162-170

Alpha Rhythms and Occluded Motion in Natural Scenes

In this episode, coauthors Lu-Chun Yeh and Daniel Kaiser discuss their recently published Short Report, "Cortical alpha rhythms interpolate occluded motion from natural scene context." When objects or people become temporarily hidden from view, our brains rely on environmental cues to predict their motion. This study shows that cortical alpha oscillations play a key role in this process, tracking not only visible movement but also anticipating whether motion continues or stops based on obstacles in the scene. Tune in to learn how these brain rhythms help us fill in the blanks of dynamic, real-world perception.

 

Cortical alpha rhythms interpolate occluded motion from natural scene context

Lu-Chun Yeh, Max Bardelang, and Daniel Kaiser

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:5, 1497-1502

Uncovering Perceptual Templates with Natural Statistics

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology’s podcast series, coauthor Lorenzo Landolfi joins us to discuss the newly published research titled "Reverse correlation of natural statistics for ecologically relevant characterization of human perceptual templates." Reverse correlation remains a cornerstone technique for probing neuronal and perceptual receptive fields, yet its application to naturalistic behavior is complicated by the complex structure of real-world stimuli. While advances in accounting for natural statistics have shown promise in neuronal studies, their relevance to human perception has remained uncertain—until now. Landolfi explains how these methods can be extended to psychophysical settings, the important caveats researchers must consider, and what the findings reveal about how we interpret our visual world.

 

Reverse correlation of natural statistics for ecologically relevant characterization of human perceptual templates

Lorenzo Landolfi and Peter Neri

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:6, 1717-1739

H-Reflex as a Biomarker: Insights from ALS Research

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology’s podcast series, coauthor Véronique Marchand-Pauvert discusses key findings from the team's published study, "Synaptic dynamics linked to widespread elevation of H-reflex before peripheral denervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." The episode explores how an increased H-reflex—observed even without clear evidence of peripheral denervation—may reflect early synaptic changes in ALS. Marchand-Pauvert explains how this phenomenon appears widespread across different onset sites and may result from reduced inhibitory control over Ia afferent-motoneuron transmission. While its association with exaggerated reflexes and spasticity may limit diagnostic specificity, the H-reflex’s measurable nature makes it a promising biomarker in ALS clinical trials.

 

Synaptic dynamics linked to widespread elevation of H-reflex before peripheral denervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Sina Sangari, Alexandra Lackmy-Vallee, Arnaud Preuilh, Iseline Peyre, Pierre-François Pradat, and Véronique Marchand-Pauvert

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:5, 1541-1560

Uncovering a New Aβ Receptor: A Key to Controlling Neuronal Hyperactivity in Alzheimer’s Disease

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology's podcast series, we spotlight the research titled “Discovery of the Aβ receptor that controls the voltage-gated sodium channel activity: unraveling mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability.”

Alzheimer’s disease is well known for memory loss and cognitive decline—but behind these symptoms lies a web of complex neuronal dysfunction. This study reveals that amyloid beta peptides (Aβs), known to enhance sodium channel activity and drive hyperexcitability, exert their effects via an unexpected molecular player: the type I taste receptor, T1R2/T1R3.

Using advanced patch-clamp techniques, the researchers identified this novel Aβ receptor, opening a promising new path for therapeutic intervention. By targeting this receptor, future treatments may be able to reduce Aβ-induced hyperactivity and slow AD progression.

 

Discovery of the Aβ receptor that controls the voltage-gated sodium channel activity: unraveling mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability

Mitsuyoshi Luke Saito, Tsutomu Sasaki, and Mariko Ruth Saito

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:6, 1861-1885