Journal of Neurophysiology

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

How Visual Feedback Shapes Muscle Control: Insights from Potentiation Research

In this episode, lead author Alexander M. Zero highlights their newly published research, “Without visual feedback voluntary torque is overestimated during muscle potentiation despite similar motor unit firing rate and perception of exertion.”

Alexander Zero breaks down their findings on how visual feedback — or the lack of it — influences voluntary torque control during muscle potentiation. Despite changes in muscle state, the study reveals that motor unit firing rates and perceived exertion remain consistent without visual cues. This suggests that the nervous system adjusts motor output not through peripheral feedback, but through central mechanisms influenced by perception.

Tune in for a fascinating dive into neuromuscular physiology, the role of sensory feedback in motor control, and what these insights mean for athletic training, rehabilitation, and our broader understanding of voluntary movement.

 

Without visual feedback voluntary torque is overestimated during muscle potentiation despite similar motor unit firing rate and perception of exertion

Alexander M. Zero and Charles L. Rice

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:3, 775-783

Exploring Angiogenesis and Cerebral Blood Flow in Early Alzheimer’s Disease

In this episode, coauthors Dr. Bing Xin Song and Dr. Krista L. Lanctôt give a snapshot of their recently published manuscript, "Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Early Alzheimer’s Disease." Building on past in vitro and in vivo studies, their work highlights a compelling link between angiogenesis and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Using a combination of neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques, the study reveals a significant association between circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and regional CBF. 

 

Vascular endothelial growth factor and regional cerebral blood flow in early Alzheimer’s disease

Bing Xin Song, Guocheng Jiang, Melissa Wong, Damien Gallagher, Bradley J. MacIntosh, Ana C. Andreazza, Erika L. Beroncal, Sandra E. Black, Nathan Herrmann, Jocelyn Charles, Fuqiang Gao, Alex Kiss, Giovanni Marotta, and Krista L. Lanctôt

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:3, 924-929

Aging, Force, and Feedback: Rethinking Proprioception Through Motor Unit Insights

In this episode, coauthor Mélanie Henry highlights the findings of the newly published study, “Influence of Age and Feedback Modality on the Proprioceptive Sense of Force: Insights from Motor Unit Recordings.”  She discusses how different types of feedback—auditory vs. visual—affect force-reproduction accuracy across age groups. Surprisingly, middle-aged and older adults performed better with auditory feedback, an improvement linked to increased motor unit coherence in the beta band. Tune in to explore how aging influences proprioception, how the brain adapts to different sensory inputs, and what this means for motor control and rehabilitation strategies.

 

Influence of age and feedback modality on the proprioceptive sense of force: insights from motor unit recordings

Mélanie Henry, Abdulkerim Darendeli, Taylor Tvrdy, Sajjad Daneshgar, and Roger M. Enoka

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:4, 1103-1115

Unlocking the Spine: Exploring the Neurophysiology of Dry Needling

In this episode, coauthor Gretchen Seif discusses her recently published study, “Neurophysiological Effects of Latent Trigger Point Dry Needling on Spinal Reflexes.” Dive into the fascinating world of deep dry needling (DDN) as she highlights its impact on spinal reflexes in the triceps surae. Dr. Seif breaks down the study's key findings—including unchanged H reflex responses and increased soleus inhibition immediately and 72 hours post-DDN—along with the observed gains in ankle range of motion. Learn how these differential effects on excitatory and inhibitory reflexes reveal the complex spinal-level mechanisms of DDN and what it could mean for clinical practice.

 

Neurophysiological effects of latent trigger point dry needling on spinal reflexes

Gretchen Seif, Alan M. Phipps, Joseph M. Donnelly, Blair H. S. Dellenbach, and Aiko K. Thompson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 288-298

JNP Podcasts: Unlocking Insulin's Mechanism: Activation of Parasympathetic Hepatic Neurons via mTOR Signaling

In this episode, coauthor Karoline Martins dos Santos discusses the recently published research, "Insulin activates parasympathetic hepatic-related neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through mTOR signaling." The study investigates the complex role of insulin in regulating hepatic glucose production, focusing on how insulin influences specific brain regions. While it's known that insulin reduces liver glucose production, the precise mechanisms and brain areas involved have remained unclear. Dr. Martins dos Santos explains how insulin activates parasympathetic hepatic-related neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVNhepatic) and how this process relies on mTOR signaling. 

 

Insulin activates parasympathetic hepatic-related neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through mTOR signaling

Karoline Martins dos Santos, Sandy E. Saunders, Vagner R. Antunes, and Carie R. Boychuk

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 320-332

JNP Podcasts: Decoding Motor Control - Estimating Descending Activation in Fast and Slow Movements

In this episode, coauthor Lei Zhang explores the research titled "Estimating descending activation patterns from EMG in fast and slow movements using a model of the stretch reflex." Lei introduces a novel method that directly estimates descending activation from electromyographic (EMG) signals and arm kinematics by inverting a model of the spinal stretch reflex—without relying on muscle models or an arm dynamics model. This innovative approach uncovers how movement speed influences the time structure of descending activation, while also highlighting the crucial role of the spinal stretch reflex in movement generation.

 

Estimating descending activation patterns from EMG in fast and slow movements using a model of the stretch reflex

Lei Zhang and Gregor Schöner

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 162-176

JNP Podcasts: The Power of Light Touch: How Fingertip Contact Modulates Balance and Vestibular Responses

In this episode, coauthor Megan Goar discusses the recently published research titled "Light touch alters vestibular-evoked balance responses: insights into dynamics of sensorimotor reweighting." The research uncovers how minimal fingertip contact (light touch) during balance tasks can reduce the impact of electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) on body sway. Not only does this touch alter sway magnitude, but it also reveals a high-frequency center of pressure element, tied to vestibular inputs, that is typically unseen in free-standing postures. Ms. Goar explains how these findings highlight the central nervous system’s remarkable ability to adaptively reweight sensorimotor processes to optimize balance control.

 

Light touch alters vestibular-evoked balance responses: insights into dynamics of sensorimotor reweighting

Megan H. Goar, Michael Barnett-Cowan, and Brian C. Horslen

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 142-161

JNP Podcasts: Improving localization and measurements of M-waves using high-density surface electromyography

In this episode, coauthor Ernesto Bedoy discusses their recently published research, "Improving Localization and Measurements of M-Waves Using High-Density Surface Electromyography." The study presents an innovative approach to enhancing the measurement of evoked potentials through high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG). By incorporating spatial filters and ultrasound imaging, the research significantly improves the precision and localization of evoked potentials, providing a more accurate method for assessing motor pathway integrity. These advancements hold promise for developing better tools to detect and treat neurological deficits, offering a significant contribution to the field of neurophysiological research.

 

Improving localization and measurements of M-waves using high-density surface electromyography

Ernesto H. Bedoy, Efrain A. Guirola Diaz, Ashley N. Dalrymple, Isaiah Levy, Thomas Hyatt, Darcy M. Griffin, George F. Wittenberg, and Douglas J. Weber

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 299-309