RECIPROCAL CHANGES IN REFLEX ACTIVITY OF THE FORE LIMBS INDUCED BY POST-BRACHIAL "COLD-BLOCK" OF THE SPINAL CORD

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Abstract
Post-brachial transection of the spinal cord alters the reflex excitability of the fore limbs of the decerebrate cat, as measured by optical isometric myograms of reflex contractions of single muscles in response to mechanically controlled stimulation (Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon). The authors'' exps. show that the alterations are due to interruption of spinal conduction (not to trauma or irritation) since they are induced by "cold-block" and "novocaine-block" of the spinal cord. Antagonistic muscles are affected reciprocally: the ipsilateral reflex of an elbow-flexor is diminished; the stretch reflex of an elbow-extensor is increased. Reciprocal changes occur in the hind-limbs, i.e., extensor reflexes are depressed and flexor reflexes are augmented.

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