The effects of brain lesions on the "hopping reaction" in newborn and adult rabbits: a model for studying age dependent recovery.

Abstract

In 5 groups of rabbits (0–1, 2–3, 4–5, 6–7 and 12–13 weeks old) the left frontal, parieto-temporal and occipital cortex were removed. Beginning two weeks after the operations the happing reaction was tested during 15 weeks. It was found in the groups operated 0–1, 2–3 and 4–5 weeks after birth, that the hopping reaction developed normally. This was not the case in the animals operated 6–7 and 12–13 weeks after birth. Brightness descrimination with the left and right eye was tested in the same animals, beginning 12 weeks after the operation. Contrary to the motor system, no age-development recovery was found in the visual system. In all age groups, brightness discrimination with the eye contralateral to the lesion was impaired.