The use of the South African frog (Xenopus laevis) in the study of spinal reflex physiology

Abstract

The use of the South African frog (Xenopus laevis) in studies on spinal neurophysiology is introduced for the study of monosynaptic reflexes. Motorneurone excitability in this species may be measured by the classical procedure of monosynaptic testing. Operational procedures for exposing the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves are described. Detailed information on stimulating and recording techniques which have been found satisfactory for the South African frog are given.