[Evoked activity of spinal cord neurons in the early period after cutting the sciatic nerve]

The character of evoked activity of motoneurons, interneurons and Renshaw cells of white rats in low lumbar segments of the spinal cord was studied 5 days after cutting of sciatic nerves. A trustworthy rise of the amplitude of the excited postsynaptic potential (EPSP) of motoneurons on the side of nerve cutting was found. No reliable change of the membrane potential and threshold of the action potential emergence in these motoneurones was observed. Character of evoked activity of the Renshaw cells and interneurons did not differ essentially from the same of animals with the intact nerve. Possible mechanisms taking part in rising of the EPSP amplitude after cutting of the nerve are discussed.