Myotonia in a horse.
Abstract: Congenital myotonia, similar to that which has been reported in humans and in goats, is here reported for the first time in another species. Evidence is given to show (i) that the myotonic phenomenon is present despite complete block of neuromuscular transmission; (ii) prior to injection of curare, synchronous activity of muscle fibers may result not only from ephaptic stimulation of neighboring fibers but also from reflex firing; and (iii) water deprivation does not relieve the myotonia.
Publication Date: 1962-09-21 PubMed ID: 13916691DOI: 10.1126/science.137.3534.979Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Animal Health
- Animal Science
- Clinical Examination
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Clinical Symptoms
- Congenital Disorders
- Diagnosis
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Horses
- Musculoskeletal System
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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This research paper discusses the study of myotonia, a muscular disorder, in a horse, representing the first reported instance of this condition in a species other than humans or goats. The findings suggest that myotonia can occur even with complete blockage of neuromuscular transmission, and that water deprivation does not alleviate the condition.
Introduction and Objective
- The goal of this research was to study a case of congenital myotonia (a neuromuscular disorder) in an animal species other than humans or goats. It was the first time scientists observed and reported this disorder in a horse. This research could help clarify the nature of the disease across different species.
Methodology
- To better understand the disorder, the researchers studied the animal even in the absence of neuromuscular transmission. This is a method to block nerve signals to the muscles and evaluate the inherent muscular activity.
- Prior to the injection of curare (a substance used to block neuromuscular transmission), the team noted the synchronous activity of muscle fibres. This indicates that muscle cells can be influenced by the activity of their neighbours or by reflex firing. Reflex firing refers to the spontaneous activity of muscle fibres without any nerve signals.
Findings
- The study found that despite the complete blockage of nerve transmission to muscles, the myotonic phenomenon (a symptom of the disorder where voluntary muscles fail to relax) was still present. This suggests that myotonia is a disorder inherent to the muscle fibres and not necessarily dependent on nerve signals.
- Another observation made was that water deprivation did not relieve the symptoms of myotonia. This is counter to some theories suggesting that hydration level may affect muscular activity.
Conclusions
- This unique case study of myotonia in a horse underscored its characteristics as a disorder of the muscle fibres, irrespective of nerve signals. It pointed out the role of synchronous muscle fibre activity in the disorder and suggested that hydration does not affect the condition.
- These findings could further our knowledge of myotonia across species, contributing to the existing literature on neuromuscular disorders.
Cite This Article
APA
STEINBERG S, BOTELHO S.
(1962).
Myotonia in a horse.
Science, 137(3534), 979-980.
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.137.3534.979 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Goats
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Humans
- Muscles
- Myotonia
- Myotonia Congenita / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Woelfel C, Meurs K, Friedenberg S, DeBruyne N, Olby NJ. A novel mutation of the CLCN1 gene in a cat with myotonia congenita: Diagnosis and treatment. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Jul;36(4):1454-1459.
- Gandolfi B, Daniel RJ, O'Brien DP, Guo LT, Youngs MD, Leach SB, Jones BR, Shelton GD, Lyons LA. A novel mutation in CLCN1 associated with feline myotonia congenita. PLoS One 2014;9(10):e109926.
- Hegreberg GA, Reed SM. Skeletal muscle changes associated with equine myotonic dystrophy. Acta Neuropathol 1990;80(4):426-31.
- Naylor JM, Robinson JA, Crichlow EC, Steiss JE. Inheritance of myotonic discharges in American quarter horses and the relationship to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Can J Vet Res 1992 Jan;56(1):62-6.
- Butterfield DA, Watson WE. Electron spin resonance studies of an animal model of human congenital myotonia: increased erythrocyte membrane fluidity in rats with 20,25-diazacholesterol-induced myotonia. J Membr Biol 1977 Apr 7;32(1-2):165-76.
- Duncan ID, Griffiths IR, McQueen A. A myopathy associated with myotonia in the dog. Acta Neuropathol 1975;31(4):297-303.
- Manning LK, Eager KLM, Willet CE, Slattery S, McNally JH, Spiers ZB, Hazelton M, Child G, Duggan R, O'Rourke BA, Tammen I. Myotonia Congenita in Australian Merino Sheep with a Missense Variant in CLCN1. Animals (Basel) 2024 Dec 22;14(24).
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