Enhanced Synaptic Function due to Excess Use

Abstract

THE aim of the present investigation has been to give, in cats, excess use to the synapses of some monosynaptic pathways through the spinal cord, keeping other monosynaptic pathways as controls. In an initial aseptic operation the nerves to some muscles of a synergic extensor group in one hind-limb have been severed and capped to prevent regeneration. Since the remaining muscles of such a synergic group have to substitute for the whole group in supporting the weight of the animal, it can be expected that there will be an excess of stress on them; consequently there will be an increased discharge from their stretch receptors along the group Ia afferent fibres, so giving an increased activation of the excitatory synapses on their motoneurones.