 |
| Research article summary (published 27 Feb 2003): |
The electrically elicited R2 blink reflex consists of distinct subcomponents.
Full Abstract
In previous studies the later parts of the electrically evoked R2 blink reflex has been found to be more susceptible to the inhibitory effects of repetitive stimulation and prepulses. Consequently, it has been suggested that the R2 reflex may be composed of distinct subcomponents. However, as of yet, no study revealed electromyographical evidence for this hypothesis, probably due to a putative temporal overlap that makes it difficult to clearly separate distinct R2 subcomponents. In the present study we investigated the electrically evoked blink reflex in 26 healthy volunteers by using the paradigm of self-stimulation, which has been found to inhibit the R2 and may thus help to differentiate putative R2 subcomponents. In most of the participants self-stimulation resulted in inhibition of the reflex involving predominantly later sections of R2. In addition, in three subjects it was possible to clearly separate distinct R2 subcomponents. These findings suggest that the electrically elicited R2 blink reflex--like the acoustic blink response--consists of superimposed distinct subcomponents. Based on their differential modulation evoked by habituation, pre-stimulation and self-elicitation it is hypothesized that the early portions of the R2 represent the electrically evoked blink reflex, whereas the later sections belong to the generalized startle reaction in man. However, due to their temporal overlap a differentiation might not be possible in conventional recordings.
Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills
Author information
Author/s: Meincke, U (U); Töpper, R (R); Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, E (E);
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Aachen. UMeincke(-atsign-)ukaachen.de
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article
Journal: Electromyography and clinical neurophysiology (Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol), published in Belgium. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2003-Mar; vol 43 (issue 2) : pp 91-5
Dates: Created 2003/03/28; Completed 2003/04/30; Revised 2004/11/17;
PMID: 12661133, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):
Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.
This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.
MeSH headings (categories)
This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.
|
|
Related articles
This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.
See a large map of 100+ related articles.