3 RESULTS

First we examined whether the right-side CCI induces formation of HL-PA; whether ipsi- or contralesional hindlimb is flexed in the CCI rats, and whether HL-PA retains after complete spinal cord transection. Second we analyzed whether the CCI-induced HL-PA and its maintenance after spinal transection is mediated through the opioid receptors. For this purpose, effects of the general opioid antagonist naloxone and selective antagonists of µ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors on the formation and fixation of HL-PA and the side of the flexed limb were analyzed. Significance of differences between animal groups was examined for i) the MPA using ANOVAs; and for the odds to develop ii) HL-PA and iii) contralesional (left) flexion using Fisher’s exact test with Bonferroni corrections.