PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - P Azouvi
AU  - A Roby-Brami
AU  - A Biraben
AU  - J B Thiebaut
AU  - C Thurel
AU  - B Bussel
TI  - Effect of intrathecal baclofen on the monosynaptic reflex in humans: evidence for a postsynaptic action.
AID  - 10.1136/jnnp.56.5.515
DP  - 1993 May 01
TA  - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
PG  - 515--519
VI  - 56
IP  - 5
4099  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/56/5/515.short
4100  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/56/5/515.full
SO  - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry1993 May 01; 56
AB  - 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.