Neuromuscular and Electromyographic Studies in Man

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Abstract
The effects of hyperventi-lation and of CO2 inhalation on neuromuscular transmission, integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity and on the action of d-tubocurarine were studied in patients during anesthesia and operation. The twitch response of the adductor pollicis muscle to supramaximal ulnar nerve stimulation was increased by hyperventilation and decreased by breathing 10% CO2. The neuromuscular blocking action of d-tubocurarine was decreased by hyperventilation and increased by 10% CO2. Both sets of results were attributed to induced changes in arterial pH and PCO2 The IEMG activity of the oblique-transversus group of abdominal muscles was not affected by inhalation of 10% CO2 but was decreased by hyperventilation. This latter effect, which was not due to hypocapnia but appeared to be reflex in nature, may be responsible for the clinically observed abdominal muscle relaxation seen with hyperventilation.

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