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The electrically elicited R2 blink reflex consists of distinct subcomponents
U Meincke1, R Töpper, E Gouzoulis-Mayfrank
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Aachen. UMeincke@ukaachen.de
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|March 29, 2003
Summary
The R2 blink reflex, studied in healthy volunteers, appears to comprise distinct subcomponents. Self-stimulation selectively inhibited later R2 sections, suggesting these may relate to generalized startle responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human physiology
Background:
- The R2 blink reflex's later components are sensitive to inhibition, suggesting subcomponents.
- Electromyographical evidence for distinct R2 subcomponents is lacking due to temporal overlap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that the electrically evoked R2 blink reflex consists of distinct subcomponents.
- To differentiate putative R2 subcomponents using a self-stimulation paradigm.
Main Methods:
- Electrically evoked blink reflex recorded in 26 healthy volunteers.
- Utilized a self-stimulation paradigm known to inhibit the R2 blink reflex.
- Analyzed electromyographical data to identify distinct R2 subcomponents.
Main Results:
- Self-stimulation predominantly inhibited later sections of the R2 blink reflex in most participants.
- Distinct R2 subcomponents were clearly separated in three subjects.
- Findings support the existence of superimposed subcomponents within the electrically elicited R2 blink reflex.
Conclusions:
- The electrically elicited R2 blink reflex likely comprises distinct subcomponents, similar to the acoustic blink response.
- Early R2 portions may represent the direct blink reflex, while later sections could be part of the generalized startle reaction.
- Temporal overlap complicates differentiation in conventional recordings.