Article

We have observed in seven patients a new kind of evoked motor response. It is an orthodromic inconstant motor unit potential (MUP) with a long, slightly variable latency. It seems to result from the ephaptic excitation of the distal part of its axon by the potential of a reinnervated motor unit (MU). This latter is actually recorded
in the area of the ephaptic MUP, presents the same latency and, when measured, an identical threshold. Moreover, with stronger stimulation, the same MUP is evoked with a short, stable latency, its axon also being excited. The ephaptic response is then either cancelled or recorded less frequently. In conclusion the potential generated by the grouped muscle fibers of a reinnervated MU appears to be synchronized and strong enough to stimulate a neighbouring motor axon.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 1985102740