Abstract
Transection of the spinal cord initiates a complex series of changes in the distal stump. Studies at various levels — single synapses, functional systems - reveal considerable complexity in the changes which occur over time. Some reflexes exhibit depression soon after transection, while others are enhanced. In the period 10–30 days after transection, many systems show enhanced function. There is substantial variability in events occurring at longer intervals. At present it is impossible to make generalizations concerning changes which occur in the various systems whose neural circuitry is in the distal stump.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Bernstein, J.J.; Wells, M.R.; and Bernstein, M.E. 1978. Spinal cord regeneration: Synaptic renewal and neurochemistry. In Neuronal Plasticity, ed. C.W. Cotman. New York: Raven Press.
Brenowitz, G., and Pubols, L.M. 1981. Increased response to sural nerve input in the dorsal horn following chronic spinal cord hemisection. Brain Res. 208: 421–425.
Cope, T.C.; Nelson, S.G.; and Mendell, L.M. 1980. Factors outside neuraxis mediate “Acute” increase in EPSP amplitude caudal to spinal cord transection. J. Neurophysiol. 44: 174–183.
Creed, R.S.; Denny-Brown, D.; Eccles, J.C.; Liddell, E.G.T.; and Sherrington, C.S. 1972. Reflex Activity of the Spinal Cord. Oxford University Press.
Goldberger, M.E., and Murray, M. 1978. Recovery of movement and axonal sprouting may obey some of the same laws. In Neuronal Plasticity, ed. C.W. Cotman. New York: Raven Press.
Goshgarian, H.G., and Guth, L. 1977. Demonstration of functionally ineffective synapses in the guinea pig spinal cord. Exp. Neurol. 57: 613–621.
Grillner, S., and Zangger, P. 1979. On the central generation of locomotion in the low spinal cat. Exp. Brain Res. 34: 241–261.
Guth, L. 1976. Functional plasticity in the respiratory pathway of the mammalian spinal cord. Exp. Neurol. 51: 414–420.
Horeyseck, G., and Janig, W. 1974. Reflex activity in postganglionic fibers within skin and muscle nerves elicited by somatic stimuli in chronic spinal cats. Exp. Brain Res. 21: 155–168.
Kirkwood, P.A.; Sears, T.A.; and Westgaard, R.H. 1980. Motor performance following partial central deafferenta tion of motoneurons. J. Physiol. 312: 42–43 P.
Liu, C.N., and Chambers, W.W. 1958. Intraspinal sprouting of dorsal root axons. Arch. Neurol. Psychiat. 79: 46–61.
McLaughlin, B.J. 1972. Propriospinal and supraspinal projections to the motor nuclei in the cat spinal cord. J. Comp. Neurol. 144: 475–500.
Merrill, E.G., and Wall, P.D. 1978. Plasticity of connection in the adult nervous system. In Neuronal Plasticity, ed. C.W. Cotman. New York: Raven Press.
Mountcastle, V.B. 1980. Effects of spinal transection. In Medical Physiology, ed. V.B. Mountcastle, pp. 781–785. St. Louis: Mosby.
Murray, M., and Goldberger, M.E. 1974. Restitution of function and collateral sprouting in the cat spinal cord: the partially hemisected animal. J. Comp. Neurol. 155: 19–36.
Nelson, S.G.; Collatos, T.C.; Niechaj, A.; and Mendell, L.M. 1979. Immediate increase in Ia–motoneuron synaptic transmission caudal to spinal cord transection. J. Neurophysiol. 41: 655–664.
Nelson, S.G., and Mendell, L.M. 1979. Enhancement in Ia-motoneuron synaptic transmission caudal to chronic spinal cord transection. J. Neurophysiol. 42: 642–654.
Pullen, A., and Sears, T.A. 1978. Modification of “C” synapses following partial deafferentation of thoracic motoneurons. Brain Res. 145: 141–146.
Schadt, J.C., and Barnes, C.D. 1980. Motoneuron membrane changes associated with spinal shock and the Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon. Brain Res. 201: 37 3–383.
Veraa, R.P., and Grafstein, B. 1981. Cellular mechanisms for recovery from nervous system injury: a conference report. Exp. Neurol. 71: 6–75.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1982 Dr. S. Bernhard, Dahlem Konferenzen, Berlin
About this paper
Cite this paper
Mendell, L. (1982). Temporal Changes After Spinal Cord Injury. In: Nicholls, J.G. (eds) Repair and Regeneration of the Nervous System. Dahlem Workshop Reports, vol 24. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68632-0_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68632-0_16
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-68634-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-68632-0
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive