AN ONTOGENETIC STUDY OF MOTOR DEFICITS FOLLOWING DORSAL BRACHIAL RHIZOTOMY

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Abstract
Section of the brachial dorsal roots in kittens and infant monkey produces serious deficits in voluntary motor function which is most pronounced in muscles controlling the distal joints. In kittens the muscular action varies, depending upon whether the animal is resting, walking or running. In running, activity in the affected limb is completely abolished; in walking, a bizarre pattern of rhythmical movement is presented which quickly fatigues; and in resting, the extremity hangs suspended with the wrist in flexion and the elbow in extension. The paralytic effect is profound in the monkey with only the crudest, purposeful movements existing at the shoulder joint. Following brachial rhizotomy, the overall muscular tone is judged to be diminished; that which remains is imbalanced to flexor and extensor muscles, being stronger in the flexors to the hand. Restitution of lost motor function does not occur following dorsal rhizotomy in young animals. Any possible ontogenetic development of motor centers within the central nervous system is incapable of overcoming the motor deficits produced.

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