Long-term retention of a peripherally induced flexor reflex alteration in rats.
The long-term nature of peripherally induced spinal fixation was examined in the present study. Sixty-three anesthetized rats received 45-90 min of hindlimb stimulation. After a 24-72 h waiting period, the animals were given a midthoracic spinal section and hindlimb asymmetry was assessed. Our results indicate that a compensatory mechanism was activated after stimulation to correct the postural imbalance. Long-lasting effects of stimulation were manifested, however, when the compensatory influence was eliminated by spinal section.
D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000502:physiology*; D007796:Laminectomy; D008297:Male; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors