• J E Misiaszek and J D Brooke.
• Department of Occupational Therapy, 2-64 Corbett Hall, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2G4, Edmonton, Canada. john.misiaszek@ualberts.ca
• Clin Neurophysiol. 2001 Feb 1;112(2):324-9.

ObjectivesTo investigate whether afferent-induced suppression of cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) occurs at a spinal site along the transmission route of afferent signals from the tibial nerve to the primary somatosensory cortex.MethodsEvoked potentials were recorded at 4 points (sciatic nerve, L5, C1, and cortex) along the path of transmission following electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve in halothane-anesthetized cats. The amplitudes of evoked potentials sampled during vibration of quadriceps were compared to evoked potentials sampled without the vibration.ResultsThe spinal SEP recorded at C1 and the cortical SEP were both substantially reduced by patellar tendon vibration. The L5 spinal SEP and the sciatic nerve potential were unaffected. Vibration of quadriceps did not influence the latency of the evoked potentials.ConclusionsThese results indicate that afferent-induced suppression of the initial complex of the SEP can be mediated at a spinal synapse.

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