Modulation of Masseteric Reflexes by Simulated Mastication

• Published in: Journal of dental research Vol. 89; no. 1; pp. 61 - 65
• Main Authors: Naser-ud-Din, S., Sowman, P.F., Dang, H., Türker, K.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC SAGE Publications 01-01-2010; International Association for Dental Research; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Biological and medical sciences; Bite Force; Dentistry; Electric Stimulation; Electromyography; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Incisor - cytology; Incisor - innervation; Incisor - physiology; Male; Masseter Muscle - physiology; Mastication; Mastication - physiology; Mechanoreceptors - physiology; Mouth. Exocrine and endocrine salivary glands. Teeth. Esophagus; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Spindles - physiology; Neural Inhibition - physiology; Periodontium - cytology; Periodontium - innervation; Periodontium - physiology; Reference Values; Reflex - physiology; Stress, Mechanical; Vertebrates: digestive system; Young Adult; reflexes; muscle spindles; periodontal mechanoreceptors; electromyography; masseter; Human; Mechanoreceptor; Electrophysiology; Chewing; Masticatory muscle; Electrodiagnosis; Muscle spindle; Periodontal ligament; Masseter reflex; Modulation; Electromyography; Physiology
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/0022034509352842

It is well-known that limb muscle reflexes are modulated during human movements. However, little is known about the existence of equivalent masticatory muscle reflex modulation. We hypothesized that masticatory reflexes would be modulated during chewing so that smooth masticatory movements occur. To examine this hypothesis, we studied the modulation of inhibitory reflexes evoked by periodontal mechanoreceptor activation and of excitatory reflexes evoked by muscle spindle activation during simulated mastication. In 28 participants, 1- and 2-N mechanical taps were delivered to the incisor. Reflex responses to these taps were examined in the average masseteric electromyogram. To differentiate between periodontal mechanoreceptor- and muscle-spindle-mediated reflex components, we performed experiments prior to, and in the presence of, periodontal anesthesia. Both periodontal mechanoreceptor and muscle spindle reflexes were reduced during simulated masticatory movements.