Fig. 2.

A) Comparison of the postural reflexes observed in rats of the sham and lesion group upon suspension by the tail. The lesion of the dorsal CST was associated with abnormal adduction reflexes also referred to as the “scissoring” reflex. Skilled walking performance was assessed as the percentage of correct forepaw stepping during the (B) Horizontal Ladder Walk and (C) the Grid Walk. Transection of the dorsal CST was associated with a permanent motor deficit over seven weeks. D) Threshold of withdrawal upon point pressure on the plantar surface of the paws was measured with the electronic von Frey hair test. Five weeks after dCST lesion, a hyposensitivity in hind paws was detected and a slight, although not statistically significant, hyposensitivity in the fore paws as well. Rats with incomplete lesion showed neither hyper nor hyposensitivity. E) Sensory function of the forepaws was also evaluated based on the latency to detect a small sticker following application. Transection of the dorsal funiculus led to an increase of the latency of detection in both lesion groups.