The glenohumeral-biceps reflex in the feline

The existence of a reflex arc from the anterior aspects of the glenohumeral capsule to the long head of the biceps was determined in a feline. A single articular branch of the musculocutaneous nerve terminating in the capsule was identified and stimulated with 100 microseconds supramaximal pulse train at 10 pulses per second. It was shown tht stimulation of the musculocutaneous articular nerve elicited myoelectric discharge in the biceps muscle. Transection of the articular nerve just distal to its emergence from the main trunk of the musculocutaneous nerve abolished the myoelectric discharge in the biceps, confirming the afferent nature of this articular nerve. The mean (+/- standard deviation) time delay from the application of the stimulus to the articular nerve to the recording of the corresponding myoelectric discharge in the biceps was 2.7 (+/- 0.3) milliseconds. The existence of a reflex arc from the capsule to the biceps confirms and extends the concept of passive (ligaments) and active (muscles) restraints of a joint and the synergy between them toward maintaining shoulder stability. If demonstrated in the human, such a reflex may have significant implications in modification of surgical procedures and the design of new rehabilitation modalities for treatment of shoulder defects.