A model system to determine the effects of specific neurotransmitters on segmental reflexes in the spinal cord of the rat.
A simple, repeatable, and quantifiable method to evaluate the effects of neurotransmitters on spinal cord reflexes is described. This model involves selective stimulation of A beta and A delta afferent fibers in the hind limb of the rat. The resulting evoked hind limb withdrawal reflex consists of short and long-latency EMG components along with their associated force production. This model was used to evaluate the effects of noradrenaline on the evoked reflex activity. The results are consistent with those obtained using much more invasive techniques and demonstrate the value of these techniques in evaluating the effects on spinal cord circuitry of other neurotransmitters and pharmacologic agents.
Moorman
S J
SJ
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
Whalen
L R
LR
D000818:Animals; D003000:Clonidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003655:Decerebrate State; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D004576:Electromyography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000502:physiology; D007980:Levodopa / Q000494:pharmacology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D016627:Oxidopamine; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D013563:Sympathectomy, Chemical
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D007980:Levodopa; D016627:Oxidopamine; D003000:Clonidine; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine; D010646:Phentolamine