Abstract
This study addresses the restitution of monosynaptic H reflex after nerve injuries and their role in the recovery of walking. Adult rats were submitted to sciatic crush, complete section repaired by aligned or crossed fascicular suture, or an 8-mm resection repaired by autograft or tube repair. The sciatic nerve was stimulated proximal to the injury site and the M and H waves were recorded from gastrocnemius (GCm) and plantar (PLm) muscles at monthly intervals during 3 months postoperation. Walking track tests were also carried out and the sciatic functional index (SFI) calculated to assess gait recovery. The M and H waves reappeared in all the animals at the end of the follow-up. The H/M amplitude ratio increased during the first stages of regeneration and tended to decrease to control values as muscle reinnervation progressed. However, final values of the H/M ratio for the PLm remained significantly higher in all the groups except that with a nerve crush. The walking track pattern showed an appreciable recovery only after crush injury. Final SFI values correlated positively with the M wave amplitude and negatively with the H/M ratio. In conclusion, H reflex is facilitated after peripheral nerve injury and regeneration and tends to return to normal excitability with time. Changes in the H reflex circuitry and excitability correlated positively with the deficient recovery of walking pattern after severe nerve injury. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 302-312 |
Journal | Brain Research |
Volume | 919 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Nov 2001 |
Keywords
- Electromyograghy
- H wave
- Peripheral nerve
- Regeneration
- Reinnervation
- Spinal cord
- Walking