Objective To establish a method for acute isolation of rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cells and identify the electrophysiological properties.Methods Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes,aged 5-12 days,were decapitated.The SCGs were removed quickly,and the single SCG cell was enzymatically isolated from the SCGs.When the holding potential was - 60 mV,100 μmol/L acetylcholine was applied and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp technique.When the holding potential was 760 mV,65 mmol/L KCl was applied and quantal release of catecholamines was detected by using carbon fiber electrodes.Results SCG cells with normal electrophysiological properties were isolated.Typical nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents and quantal release of catecholamines were recorded successfully.Conclusion The cells suitable for patch-clamp experiments can be obtained by using the method for acute isolation of rat SCG cells.

To evaluate the effect of selective posterior rhizotomy and programmed treatment on the relief of limb spasm secondary to the spinal cord injury. The posterior roots of L 2～S 1 were separated from anterior roots and split into funiculi. The funiculi sensitive to lower threshold of electrical stimulation were sectioned. The selective posterior rhizotomy and programmed treatment had been performed on 36 cases, and followed up for 3 years. The results of the treatment were satisfactory. The rate of spasticity relief was 90%, and the rate of functional improvement was 75%. Selective posterior rhizotomy and programmed treatment could be considerered to be the optimal treatment for spasticity of limbs subsequent to spinal cord injury.