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Summated cortical evoked response testing in the deafferented primate
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 8, 1972
Summary
Dorsal rhizotomy in primates eliminated cortical sensory responses, indicating no sensory input to the brain. Yet, animals still exhibited purposeful movements, suggesting a nonclassical sensory mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- The cerebral cortex is traditionally considered the primary center for processing sensory information.
- Understanding sensory pathways is crucial for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the dorsal roots in transmitting sensory information to the primate cerebral cortex.
- To explore potential nonclassical sensory pathways when classical routes are interrupted.
Main Methods:
- Performed dorsal rhizotomy (surgical cutting of dorsal roots) from C(2)-C(3) to T(4) in primate subjects.
- Systematically stimulated peripheral nerves to assess for cortical responses.
Main Results:
- Absence of summated cortical responses following peripheral nerve stimulation after dorsal rhizotomy.
- No evidence of sensory input reaching the cerebral cortex via the severed dorsal roots.
Conclusions:
- The dorsal roots from C(2)-C(3) to T(4) are essential for transmitting sensory information to the primate cerebral cortex.
- The observed purposive movements in deafferented animals suggest the existence of nonclassical sensory mechanisms bypassing the dorsal roots.