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The sagittal vestibulocollic reflex and its interaction with neck proprioceptive afferents in the decerebrate cat.

The sagittal vestibulocollic reflex (v.c.r.) evoked by nose-up, nose-down movements of the head, has been studied in the neck extensor muscle biventer cervicis in the decerebrate cat. Nose-down movements of the head increased, and nose-up movements decreased, electromyographic (e.m.g.) activity in the biventer cervicis muscles of the left and right sides. At low frequencies of sinusoidal head movement (0.1-0.5 Hz), the gain of the sagittal v.c.r. was approximately constant, and e.m.g. modulation showed a phase lead of about 40 deg with respect to head position. At higher frequencies (2-5 Hz), v.c.r. gain increased at a rate close to 40 dB/decade, and phase lead increased to approach 150 deg. The relation between head movement and v.c.r. activity may be described by a transfer function containing two lead terms, with time constants of 0.07 and 0.23 s, and two lag terms, with time constants of 5.3 and 9.9 s. When movements of the head were accompanied by stretching of the biventer cervicis muscles, the gain of the sagittal v.c.r. was increased threefold, at all frequencies between 0.1 and 5 Hz, with no substantial change in phase. Sinusoidal stretching of the biventer cervicis muscles, with the head stationary, evoked a stretch reflex (cervicocollic reflex, c.c.r.) the behaviour of which was similar to that of a second-order system described by a transfer function containing two lead terms with time constants of 0.07 and 0.16 s. This difference in dynamics between the v.c.r. and the c.c.r. indicates that the lag terms in the v.c.r. transfer function reflect the frequency-response properties of the vestibular pathway to the biventer cervicis muscles, as they do not appear when the same muscles participate in the c.c.r. The vectorial differences between the frequency-response of the sagittal v.c.r. with and without concomitant stretching of the biventer cervicis muscles is quantitatively similar to the frequency-response of the c.c.r. evoked by sinusoidal stretching. The inputs from the vestibular and stretch receptors thus appear to sum linearly to produce the increase in v.c.r. gain, at least over the frequency range 0.1-1 Hz. Since most head movements, and all voluntary head movements, involve a rotation of the head in relation to the neck, the potentiation of the gain of the v.c.r. by afferents from stretch receptors (presumably muscle spindles) in the neck muscles is an important factor in the normal reflex stabilization of head position.

Animals↗

Depression of Hoffmann reflexes following voluntary contraction and implications for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy.

Postcontraction depression of Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) amplitudes was examined to study the rationale underlying proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation relaxation techniques. The time course of H-reflex amplitude depression was used to assess postcontraction changes in motoneuron reflex excitability. Sixteen healthy female subjects performed voluntary isometric plantar-flexion contractions (65%-75% of maximal voluntary contraction) in a prone position. H-reflex stimulation began at a postcontraction delay of 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 5 seconds and continued every 10 seconds for 1 minute. Reflexes were depressed (mean = 67% decrease) by 0.05 second postcontraction, reached maximal depression (mean = 83.3% decrease) from 0.1 to 1 second postcontraction, recovered to 70% of control amplitudes (mean = 30% decrease) by 5 seconds postcontraction, and reached 90% control amplitudes (mean = 10% decrease) by 10.05 seconds postcontraction. The results indicate that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques (eg, hold-relax) purported to produce a phase of relaxation following voluntary contraction do appear to produce a strong, but brief, neuromuscular inhibition that may be clinically useful for applying stretch.

Adult↗

Plasticity and proprioception in insects. II. Modes of reflex action of the locust metathoracic femoral chordotonal organ.

Reflex responses of tibial motoneurones were examined during mechanical stimulation of the femoral chordotonal organ, a joint angle receptor of the locust hindleg. Step displacements of the main ligament of the organ, mimicking 10-15 degree changes in joint angle, produced different patterns of discharge in motoneurones (1) when the leg was resting against a support and (2) when the support was removed to induce active searching movements. Tibial motoneurones showed resistance reflex responses to oppose the apparent joint movement when the leg rested against a support. Resistance reflexes consisted of constant, short latency excitatory responses followed by discharges that varied in intensity (gain) and degree of tonic coupling. These variations were not due to simple summation with other inputs to motoneurones. Responses changed during periods of active searching movements. Tibial flexor motoneurones fired phasically in response to apparent joint movement in any direction. Tibial extensor motoneurones were generally inhibited by chordotonal inputs. These reflex changes are not simple reflex 'reversals', but represent more complex changes in reflex mode. Potential functions of each of these reflex modes and the need for plasticity in reflexes of the chordotonal organ are discussed.

Animals↗

Positional nystagmus of central type and its neural mechanism.

Observations of Hallpike (1967) suggested that the neural mechanism responsible for positional nystagmus of central type, the direction-changing type of Nylén, was dependent upon derangement of compensatory eye reflexes subserved by neck proprioceptors and/or otolith organs in the presence of damage to the medial vestibular nuclei. Clinical studies together with autopsy evidence have demonstrated that this phenomenon may present in the absence of otolith function thus confirming Hallpike's thesis that positional nystagmus of central type may well depend on an abnormal neck reflex.

Brain Diseases↗

[Measurement of muscle reflex time in radicular disorders of the lumbosacral region].

The results of studies performed by the authors show that time measurements of proprioceptive muscular reflexes (triceps surae and tibialis posterior reflexes) may be considered a valuable addition to methods of topical diagnosis of radicular disturbances in the lumbosacral region. The reflexes were tested in twenty normal subjects. There were found an intraindividual constancy of the respective reflex time with a maximum deviation of 2 ms as well as a lateral variability up to 1.3 ms. Radicular compressions resulted in an increase in reflex time by 2 to 66 ms or failure of the reflex potential to be recorded. The pathological cases were compared with clinical and neurological studies, positive myelographies using radiopaque substances, and results of surgical operations. Compared with the results of surgical operations, changes in reflex time indicated damage to the reflex arc in ninety percent of the cases.

Humans↗

Influences of neck receptors on soleus motoneuron excitability in man.

We studied the influence of the asymmetric tonic neck reflexes on the excitability of the human soleus motoneuronal pool by mapping the H amplitude as a function of rotation of the body relative to the fixed head. Eight normal adult volunteers were tested. On each subject 15 consecutive H reflexes were recorded from the right soleus muscle, for each of the following test position, 4 degrees, 8 degrees, 12 degrees, 16 degrees, as well as at the control position (0 degrees), both before and after each change in body position. Our results showed that the H reflex amplitude was progressively facilitated for contralateral rotation in respect to the recording side and conversely inhibited for ipsilateral rotation. The results indicate that neck receptors of one side enhance the excitability of the contralateral soleus motoneurons and depress the ipsilateral ones.

Adult↗

Reflex balance.

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Animals↗

Preservation of complete anal sphincteric proprioception in restorative proctocolectomy: the inhibitory reflex and fine control of continence need not be impaired.

This study evaluates whether reflux function of the anal sphincter remains unchanged after restorative proctocolectomy, provided that the sphincter remaining is kept intact, without mucosal stripping or endo-anal anastomosis. Paired tests of anorectal function were performed before, and a median of 6 (range 2-12) months after restorative proctocolectomy with stapled, end to end pouch-anal anastomosis. Beforehand, distension of the rectum with 50 ml of air produced a median (interquartile range) increase in pressure within the rectum of 22 (15-29) cm H2O and reflex inhibition of the anal sphincter from a pressure of 76 (62-106) cm H2O to a pressure of 34 (15-52) cm H2O. After the procedure, distension of the ileal pouch with 50 ml of air produced an increase in pressure within the pouch of only 5 (4-8) cm H2O (p < 0.001 compared with beforehand) and reflex inhibition of the anal sphincter from a pressure of 62 (25-79) cm H2O to 37 (17-68) cm H2O. Maximal reflex inhibition of the upper third if the anal sphincter to a pressure of 26 (15-48) cm H2O was observed when pressure within the pouch increased by 16 (11-22) cm H2O. After restorative proctocolectomy, all patients were continent (two experienced minor nocturnal leakage of mucus) and 25 could discriminate between flatus and faeces. Thus, reflux function was preserved in response to changes in pressure, ensuring that the subtler aspects of anal continence were preserved.

Adolescent↗

Correlative electrophysiological and behavioral evaluation following L5 lesions in the cat: a model of spasticity.

The present work developed an animal model of hindlimb spasticity by analyzing the electrophysiological and behavioral consequences of L5 spinal cord lesions in cats. In chronically lesioned animals (1 to 6 months), the L7-S1 dorsal roots were stimulated and evoked potentials were recorded from hindlimb flexor and extensor motor nerves. Following lateral hemisection, the monosynaptic responses were 2-5 times larger (for voltage-time integral and for amplitude) on the ipsilateral side than those from the contralateral side or from control animals. Half-widths, rise-times, and latencies of the monosynaptic responses were the same on both sides. Behavioral signs of spasticity, including hypertonia and increased deep tendon reflexes, were displayed from the ipsilateral hindlimb following lateral hemisection. With lateral hemisection or with extensive dorsal quadrant lesions, hopping and proprioceptive placing reflexes were abolished; these behavioral observations impart functional significance to physiological and anatomical studies of a mid-lumbar center considered to be important for movement control. The present model represents the first demonstration of a statistically significant correlation between electrophysiological and behavioral observations of spasticity for animals with a lateral hemisection. These correlations demonstrate the utility of behavioral screening of animals for subsequent neurophysiological analyses. This facilitates the investigation of cellular events underlying spasticity and of strategies for its relief with tissue repair techniques affecting local circuitry involved in spasticity.

Animals↗

Lumbar paraspinal muscle function, perception of lumbar position, and postural control in disc herniation-related back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A follow-up study evaluating postural control, lumbar movement perception, and paraspinal muscle reflexes in disc herniation-related chronic low back pain (LBP) before and after discectomy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of discectomy on postural control, lumbar perception, and reflex activation of paraspinal muscles during sudden upper limb loading. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Impaired muscle function, postural control, and lumbar proprioception have been observed in LBP. However, they have not been studied in sciatica patients after surgery. METHODS: The study included 20 patients selected for an operation for chronic LBP caused by disc herniation and 15 controls without chronic LBP. The paraspinal muscle responses for upper limb loading during unexpected and expected conditions were measured by surface electromyography. The ability to sense lumbar rotation was assessed in a previously validated motorized trunk rotation unit in the seated position. The postural control was measured with a vertical force platform. Pain, disability, and depression scores were recorded. RESULTS: Patients had poorer lumbar perception (P = 0.012) and postural control (P < 0.05) than did healthy controls. The postural control remained unchanged, but lumbar perception (P = 0.054) and the lumbar feed-forward control (P = 0.043) improved after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate impaired lumbar proprioception and postural control in sciatica patients. During short-term follow-up after operative treatment, postural control does not seem to change, but impaired lumbar proprioception and feed-forward control of paraspinal muscles seem to recover.

Chronic Disease↗

[Evolution of the H index in infants from birth (author's transl)].

The technique of using Hoffmann's soleus reflex can be simplified and carried out more rapidly if only the M and H latences are recorded. The calculation of the H index from these latences by using the formula (formula, see text), can eliminate variations due to morphotype and tends to express an overall, sensory-motor, proximal conduction rate of the reflex arc. Recordings were made in 50 normal infants aged from 0 to 7 years and two phases of evolution of the H index were observed during this period of change. 1. a rapid, practically linear increase as a function of age up to 18 months: y (IH) = 3.6 X (month) + 27.5. 2. a second phase during which there is little correlation with the age, but, on the contrary, there is a very significant and constant relationship, continuing up to adult life, between the interval (H--M) and the height of the subject: y (H--M) ms = 0.125 X (height in cm) + 3. These results can be used to calculate the theoretical reference H index throughout the growth period of infants.

Adolescent↗

Small-fiber sensory neuropathies: clinical course and neuropathology of idiopathic cases.

We describe the clinical features, natural history, and neuropathology of 32 patients presenting with "burning feet," for whom no specific cause was identified. All had neuropathic pain in the feet and morphological abnormalities of cutaneous innervation in skin obtained using punch biopsy. Most (29) had an abnormal sensory examination. All had normal strength, proprioception, tendon reflexes, and nerve conductions. Two clinical patterns were apparent, based on natural history and spatial distribution of cutaneous denervation. Most (28) patients presented with neuropathic pain initially restricted to the feet and toes but extending more proximally to involve the legs and hands with time. Intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density was most severely reduced distally, with more normal IENF densities in skin from proximal sites. In contrast, a minority (4) presented with the abrupt onset of generalized cutaneous burning pain and hyperesthesia. In these patients, IENF densities were reduced in skin from both proximal and distal sites. Absolute IENF densities in calf skin were reduced below the lower limit of normal (5th percentile) in 26 (81%). Of the 6 who underwent sural nerve biopsy, 4 had selective loss of small myelinated and/or unmyelinated axons and 2 had normal histology and fiber densities despite reduced IENF densities in skin biopsy specimens. Punch skin biopsy from proximal and distal sites is a useful means of assessing these distinctive patients and may provide further insight into pathophysiology.

Adult↗

Motor inhibition and excitation are independent effects of magnetic cortical stimulation.

We administered magnetic cortical stimulation (MCS) during voluntary contraction of intrinsic hand muscles to 8 patients with motor neuron disease (MND), 5 patients with pure lower motor neuron syndromes (LMN), a patient with severe subacute sensory neuropathy (SSN), and 10 healthy volunteers. Patients with MND had clinical evidence of upper MND and elevated thresholds for (3 patients) or absence of (5 patients) motor evoked potentials (MEPs). MCS during sustained contraction inhibited electromyographic activity in 6 of 8 patients with MND, without preceding MEPs. MCS had no effect on the electromyogram (EMG) of the other 2 patients with MND. In normal subjects and patients with LMN, inhibition of EMG was never seen without a preceding MEP, regardless of stimulus intensity. In the patient with SSN, MCS elicited normal MEPs and inhibited the EMG in a pattern similar to normal subjects, whereas supramaximal electrical stimulation of median and ulnar nerves failed to inhibit the EMG despite normal M and F responses. Our findings indicate that the inhibitory effects of MCS on EMG are not dependent solely on changes in afferent feedback caused by the muscle twitch produced by the MEP, or on Renshaw cell inhibition. We suggest that some of the inhibitory and excitatory effects of MCS on the motor system are mediated by distinct cortical elements, which may have different susceptibilities to pathophysiological processes in MND.

Adult↗