Effects of ethanol and methanol on spontaneous electromyographic signals and neuromuscular latency

The effect of alcohols (ethanol and methanol) on rat electromyogram (E.M.G.) and neuromuscular latency were studied in thiopentone anesthetized albino rats. Both alcohols were given intraperitoneally (100 mg/100 g of body weight) to the respective groups and the controls received saline. Electromyographic signals were recorded from gastrocnemius muscle. For latency studies both the alcohols were given intravenously (iv) at a dose of 20 mg/100 g of body weight, and response to in situ sciatic nerve stimulation was studied before and after alcohol administration. Our results show that both ethanol and methanol induce spontaneous electromyographic signals and in addition produce changes in the latent period and the amplitude of the response.