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Simultaneous Intracellular Recording of a Lumbar Motoneuron and the Force Produced by its Motor Unit in the Adult Mouse In vivo
Published on: December 5, 2012
Neural conduction of the myo-monitor stimulus: a quantitative analysis
B Jankelson1, S Sparks, P F Crane
1Myo-tronics Research, Inc., Seattle, Wash, USA.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|February 17, 2012
Summary
The Myo-Monitor uses transcutaneous neural stimulation, not direct muscle fiber depolarization. Chronaxy measurements confirm the stimulus travels through the neuromuscular junction, activating cranial nerves.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dental Technology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- The Myo-Monitor's mechanism of action in dentistry is debated.
- Questions exist regarding whether its stimulus is neurally mediated or directly depolarizes masseter muscle fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the Myo-Monitor stimulus is neurally mediated.
- To differentiate between neural transmission and direct muscle fiber depolarization.
Main Methods:
- Intensity-duration curves were recorded for 10 subjects undergoing transcutaneous stimulation with the Myo-Monitor.
- Chronaxy values were calculated to assess the stimulus transmission pathway.
Main Results:
- Individual chronaxy values ranged from 0.125 to 0.180 msec, with a mean of 0.158 msec.
- These values are significantly lower than those expected for direct muscle fiber stimulation, indicating neuromuscular junction involvement.
- Contraction of remote muscles was observed, supporting neural pathway activation.
Conclusions:
- The Myo-Monitor stimulus is unequivocally transmitted across the neuromuscular junction.
- The findings support the hypothesis that the Myo-Monitor stimulates the fifth and seventh cranial nerves.
- Transcutaneous neural stimulation is the established mechanism for the Myo-Monitor's effect.
