SURVIVAL OF REFLEX CONTRACTION AND INHIBITION DURING CORD ASPHYXIATION

Abstract

The periods of survival of the flexion reflex, the kneejerk and the inhibition of that reflex, were detd. during asphyxiation of the spinal cord. The flexion reflex survived cord asphyxiation for a longer period than the kneejerk. Usually an increased reflex response was observed in the beginning of asphyxiation. Inhibition of the knee-jerk has been demonstrated as long as that reflex could be elicited. In many expts., 3-5 min. after the start of cord asphyxiation, a contraction of a tonic character developed in the quadriceps and gastrocnemius-soleus muscles. After reaching a maximum, this contraction disappeared 20-25 min. after the beginning of cord asphyxiation.