Abstract
I. The object of these experiments was primarily to find the influence of the central nervous
system on the development of tetanus rigidity
and to locate which centres take part in the
pathogenesis of the characteristic symptoms.
II. The place of injection had no effect on the
distribution of the stiffness. Extensor stiffness resulted whether the injection was made in
flexor or extensor muscles.
III. The position of the limbs before the development of the stiffness was also without influence.
IV. Experiments of hemi -sections of the cord
showed that the supra -spinal centres have an influence on the development of rigidity. The extensor stiffness of local tetanus is less marked
on the operated side when injections are made in
both hind legs.
V. One of the centres which give to the spinal
cord the permanent innervation which is necessary
for the development of the normal degree of extensor rigidity is the cerebellum. After an
extirpation of this centre, extensor rigidity will develop, also on the homo- lateral side, but
the degree of rigidity is less than on the non - operated side when bilateral injections are given
into the hind legs.
VI. Destruction of the cerebral cortex produced
no effect upon the manifestation of tetanus intoxication.
VII. Uni-lateral destruction of the corpus
striatum preceding injections of tetanus toxin in
both hind legs resulted in flexor rigidity instead
of the normal extensor rigidity. This was on
both sides, but was more marked on the homolateral one.
VIII. These facts suggest that the corpus striatum
has also in normal life an influence on the distribution of tonus.
IX. In treatment of tetanus the method to be
preferred is to combine intra-thecal injections
of anti-toxin with washing out of the sub-arachnoidal space.
