Evolutionary aspects of the compensation for the functions of the damaged spinal cord.

The phylo-ontogenetic characteristics of the establishment of plasticity and the high level of potential of the central nervous system in conditions of a damaged spinal cord are demonstrated. Compensation and increases in the potential of plasticity during phylogenesis are identified, along with the importance of ecological-biological characteristics and the higher parts of the central nervous system and hypothalamus. An important role is established for sympathetic innervation; the roles of ATP, ATPase, and changes in the structural-functional pattern of the damaged spinal cord are discussed, as are the roles of scarring and various endocrine glands (adrenals, pancreas, thyroid). Plasticity at the early stages of ontogenetic development and phylogenesis is shown to be extensive. The favorable influences of enzymes on the process of recovery of the damaged spinal cord are identified.