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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Published on: March 24, 2020

Neuronal dysfunction in chronic spinal cord injury.

M Hubli¹, M Bolliger, V Dietz

¹Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

|November 10, 2010

Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) alters spinal neuronal function, leading to initial loss of reflexes and locomotion. Recovery involves reappearance of early reflexes, but chronic SCI results in lasting neuronal dysfunction and altered reflex patterns.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Spinal Cord Injury Research
Motor Control

Background:

Motor complete spinal cord injury (cSCI) profoundly impacts spinal neuronal function.
Spinal reflexes (SR) and locomotor activity are initially abolished post-injury.
Understanding these functional changes is crucial for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the temporal changes in spinal neuronal function following human motor complete spinal cord injury (cSCI).
To elucidate the alterations in spinal reflexes and locomotor activity post-cSCI.
To identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing chronic neuronal dysfunction.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on spinal cord injury, spinal reflexes, and locomotor activity.

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Published on: March 24, 2020

Analysis of changes in spinal neuronal function at different time points post-cSCI.

Correlation of clinical signs with underlying neuronal and non-neuronal changes.

Main Results:

Following cSCI, spinal reflexes and locomotion are initially absent, then partially recover.
Spasticity emerges months post-injury due to non-neuronal factors.
Around one year post-injury, chronic SCI exhibits rapid locomotor exhaustion and a shift towards late spinal reflexes, indicating established neuronal dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Chronic spinal cord injury leads to persistent neuronal dysfunction, characterized by altered spinal reflex activity and impaired locomotion.
Immobility and reduced sensory input in chronic SCI may promote inhibitory drive in spinal circuits.
Interventions targeting spinal interneuronal circuits and afferent input show promise for mitigating neuronal dysfunction after SCI.