[Diagnostic significance of the spinal-brain stem polysynaptic reflex and the period of inhibition].

Electrical stimulation of the radial nerve associated with voluntary contraction of the shoulder girdle inhibited bioelectrical activity not only in the muscles of the hypothenar but also in the proximal muscles. In resting muscles, such stimulation elicited a reflex response with a large latent period. With weak voluntary tension stimulation elicited a reflex response while in the presence of considerable contraction the reflex response merged with bioelectrical activity, with a clearly demonstrable subsequent period of inhibition. The current viewpoint about the antidromal blockade of the segmental motoneurons is debated. It is suggested that the polysynaptic reflex and the inhibition period are connected with the same level of realization -- the oral portions of the brain stem.