Standard Values of the Amplitude of Jaw Jerk Action Potential and Differences Due to Age, Sex and L-Dopa Treatment

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Abstract
The amplitude of the jaw jerk action potential (MSP) is a parameter with possible diagnostic value. Standard values have, however, not yet been established. MSPs were recorded using surface EMG electrodes in the masseter and the anterior temporal muscles of young and elderly healthy males and females. The group means ranged from 0.26 to 2.11 mV in the masseter and from 0.17 to 0.81 mV in the anterior temporalis. The amplitude of MSP was higher in females than in males, decreased in elderly subjects and lower in the temporalis than in the masseter. The jaw jerk action potentials also were recorded in four subjects before and after L-Dopa administration. The amplitude increased by about 90%. It is concluded that the parameter MSP amplitude can be useful in the studies of muscle spindle sensitivity and the influence of various physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological factors on the nervous regulation and muscle function in the masticatory system.

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