Development of GABA-sensitive spasticity and rigidity in rats after transient spinal cord ischemia: A qualitative and quantitative electrophysiological and histopathological study

These data demonstrate that brief transient spinal cord ischemia in rat leads to a consistent development of spasticity and rigidity. The lack of significant suppressive effect of dorsal L2-L5 rhizotomy on motor evoked potentials response indicates that descending motor input into α-motoneurons is independent on Ia afferent couplings and can independently contribute to increased α-motoneuronal excitability. The pharmacology of this effect emphasizes the potent role of GABAergic type B receptors in regulating both the spasticity and rigidity.