Effect of disuse of hand for recovery of motor function following dorsal column section in the monkey. 
A question of whether use or disuse of the hand affects the recovery of motor function following dorsal column (DC) section was examined in monkeys.  The hand was immobilized by a cast for 16 and 18 days after the section.  When the cast was removed, the motor deficit was severer than that observed immediately after the DC section in control animals clearly indicating that the usage of the hand was necessary for the recovery.  However, the impairment was not permanent.  The hand skill started improving following the removal of the cast and reached the same level as the control although it took longer than for control animals.  Neuronal mechanisms for the recovery are discussed in relation to the formation of new synapses.