Quantitative electromyographic changes following modification of central dopaminergic transmission.

Abstract Muscle tone was assessed by measurement of quantitative electromyographic (EMG) activity recorded from electrodes chronically implanted in the gastrocnemius and anterior tibialis muscles of conscious, unrestrained rats. Following treatment with reserpine or denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine a significant increase in EMG activity of both muscles was observed, confirming the utility of the method for studying the effects of changes in central dopaminergic transmission on muscle tone.