Changes in reflex responses of the masseter and digastric muscles during sleep in freely behaving rabbits

The aim of this study was to clarify the modulation of motoneuron excitability in masticatory muscles during sleep. For this purpose, changes in the reflex responses of the masseter and digastric muscles between sleep and wakefulness were studied in freely behaving rabbits. Stimulation of the jaw closing muscle spindle afferents induced the masseteric monosynaptic reflex (MMR). During quiet sleep (QS), which gradually replaced quiet wakefulness, the mean MMR amplitude showed no change. During active sleep (AS). MMR amplitudes were markedly reduced, but they were confounded by the occasional occurrence of facilitation in the amplitude. The facilitatory reflexes were often related to rapid eye movements (REMs). However, the excitatory input probably did not originate from the same region as the REM generator, since the REM and the large MMR did not always occur simultaneously. On the other hand, jaw opening reflexes remained inhibited. The results indicated that there is mainly a difference in the excitability between the two groups of motoneurons during AS; masseter motoneuron activity was inhibited but occasionally facilitated by excitatory inputs occurring in association with REMs, however, the digastric motoneuron activity was remained inhibited. The excitatory inputs may induce dysfunctional muscle contraction of the jaw closing muscles as seen in bruxism.