ISSN:
1432-1106
Keywords:
Electromyogram
;
Postural Tremor
;
Harmaline
;
Rhizotomy
;
Monkey
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Rhizotomy of the dorsal roots of the upper limb in lesioned monkeys with lesioned-induced and harmaline-induced tremor caused complete anaesthesia and akinesia of the corresponding limb, which only showed purposeless movements. The rate and rhythm of postural tremor and the reciprocality of the bursts in opposite muscles were not affected by the rhizotomy; the incidence of tremor episodes was greater in some animals. Rhizotomy apparently interfered with the amplitude of the bursts which, at times, was less regular in the deafferented limb. In four out of six animals the rhizotomy involved the blood supply of the dorsal part of the lateral column. This caused a degeneration of the corresponding lateral corticospinal and dorsal spinocerebellar tracts, producing a weakness of the ipsilateral lower limb which gradually improved. Faster bursts (12–13/sec) were also noted on the EMG in response to harmaline in monkeys with cerebellar lesions. These findings suggest that the influence transmitted through the spinal dorsal roots does not play an important role in initiating postural tremor. The rate and rhythm of tremor episodes are uninfluenced by impulses transmitted through the dorsal roots which, however, apparently exert a stabilizing effect on the amplitude of the bursts.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00234727
