STUDIES ON THE OCCURRENCE OF EXTENSOR RIGIDITY IN MAMMALS AS A RESULT OF CORTICAL INJURY

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Abstract
Unilateral removal of the cortical limb areas in cats results in extensor rigidity in the contra-lateral fore- and hindlegs. If the foreleg area alone is removed the rigidity is confined to the corresponding foreleg; also if the hindleg area alone is removed the rigidity is confined to the contralateral hindleg. Removal of the gyrus proreus in cats failed to give an increased extensor tonus in the contralateral limb muscles. Unilateral removal of the limb areas in dogs results in extensor rigidity in the contralateral legs. Removal of the foreleg areas in rabbits and guinea pigs results in marked extensor rigidity in the corresponding legs. The rigidity observed in these preparations is similar to that observed in decerebrate animals. It is considered to be due to a release of lower reflex mechanisms from the control of the motor cortex.