Electrospinogram of the Rabbit

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Abstract
The electrospinogram was investigated in 18 adult rabbits before and after acute spinal lesions of variable entity. The first positive wave is widely distributed from L7 to Th11–12 and seems to be generated by a dipole placed within the cauda. The following ‘M’-shaped complex is propagated up to the cervical segments probably along the primary afferent pathways in the dorsal columns ipsilateral to the stimulated side. Local reflexes of mono- and polysynaptic loops are also present. Standardized seriate clinical observations did not provide reliable data on level and extension of the lesion until 16–24 h, while the electrospinogram showed a ‘killed end’ potential already within the first 60 min. Furthermore, this noninvasive test furnishes early tools about the width of the anatomical damage.