Summary
Cross-reinnervations were effected between the extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles in the cat hind limb. At the same time dorsal root section or ganglionectomy was performed over segments L6-S1. Completeness of the deafferentation was subsequently confirmed either by dissection or by dorsal root recording. The isometric and forcevelocity properties of the muscles were measured. In animals with a unilateral cross plus deafferentation the conversion of the contractile properties of the normally slow-twitch soleus to those resembling a fast-twitch muscle was typical of that seen with an intact afferent supply. In cats with a bilateral cross-reinnervation and unilateral deafferentation there was no significant difference in the degree of transformation between the two sides. It is concluded that at least for the conversion of a slow-twitch to a fast-twitch muscle afferent feedback does not play a major role.
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Supported by Australian Research Grants Committee D181 15143, Monash Special Research Fund and the Ian Potter Foundation
Dr. Webb was on study leave from Liverpool University, England
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Luff, A.R., Proske, U. & Webb, S.N. The transformation of cross-reinnervated slow-twitch muscle after deafferentation in the cat. Exp Brain Res 55, 152–157 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00240509
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00240509