Spinal cord transection induced c-fos protein in the rat motor cortex

Spinal cord transection at the middle thoracic level induced the expression of c-Fos protein in the rat motor cortex detected with the immunohistochemical study. At 1 h after transection, maximal expression of c-Fos was seen in the frontal cortex and hindlimb area of the cortex. c-Fos-like immunoreactive neurons were recognized in the second to sixth layers of these cortices, although the axotomized neurons were located only in the fifth layer of these cortices. A significant difference of c-Fos-like protein expression was observed between the spinal transected group and the sham operated group 1 h after the operation. These results indicate that each layer of the motor cortical column is activated and that there is a correlation between alteration of the neuronal network and functional plasticity.