Tactile Placing Reactions in Chronic Spinal Kittens

Abstract

Abstract Transection of the spinal cord at the level of Th 12 to L 1 was performed in 6–14 days old kittens. The kittens were kept for several months after the operation. During this period tactile stimuli applied to the dorsum of the hindpaw could evoke a flexion followed by an extension and a placing of the limb in a more rostral position. These reactions have been studied by recording the EMG activity and filming the movement. It is concluded that it must be regarded as tactile placing, which contrary to what has hitherto been assumed is not a reflex relayed in higher nervous structures, but rather a complex form of spinal reflex.