Electromyographic investigations of the intercostal muscles in experimental poliomyelitis

Summary

A study was made of the electrical activity of the intercostal muscles during the development of experimental poliomyelitis.

Action potentials were recorded with animals breathing naturally and also during action of specific respiratory stimulants — CO₂ (3 and 10%) and corconium (1 and 10 mg/kg). In the incubation period of the disease the electromyographic picture of the intercostal muscles, was normal, both during natural respiration and during the action of respiratory stimulants. With further progress of the disease there was a rise of the excitation of the intercostal muscle centers and of their regular reaction in response to weak and strong stimuli. The results obtained could be explained by the capacity of the corresponding nerve centers to become rapidly inhibited, the latter state presenting features of a parabiotic character.