Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Effect of intrathecal baclofen on the monosynaptic reflex in humans: evidence for a postsynaptic action.
  1. P Azouvi,
  2. A Roby-Brami,
  3. A Biraben,
  4. J B Thiebaut,
  5. C Thurel,
  6. B Bussel
  1. Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, INSERM U215, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France.

    Abstract

    Intrathecal baclofen is a very powerful antispastic agent. Its mechanism of action on the monosynaptic H-reflex in spinal patients was investigated. It could inhibit rapidly and profoundly monosynaptic reflexes in lower limbs, but did not modify Ia vibratory inhibition of the soleus H-reflex. To assess more precisely its effect on Ia afferents, an experimental paradigm using Ia heteronymous facilitation of the soleus H-reflex was used. Intrathecal baclofen did not modify the amount of monosynaptic facilitation of the soleus H-reflex brought about by stimulation of the femoral nerve. This demonstrates that the main part of the inhibitory effect of baclofen on the H-reflex in spinal patients is not due to a presynaptic effect, suggesting a postsynaptic site of action.

    Statistics from Altmetric.com

    Request Permissions

    If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.