CUTANEOUS AND MUSCULAR UNMYELINATED AFFERENT-FIBERS - CLINICAL, HISTOLOGICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY - POSSIBLE EXPLANATION OF MUSCULAR CRAMPS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (41-4) , 1665-1670
Abstract
Unmyelinated afferent fibers are the most numerous of the whole afferent component. Their function in nociception is now well established. However, their activity may be much more complex. Cutaneous unmyelinated afferents were evaluated in controls and in 3 groups of patients (painful neuropathies, painless neuropathies with hypesthesia and diabetic neuropathies). Amyelinic/myelinic ratio is not in accordance with the gate control theory. Muscular afferent fibers were studied, especially the lateral gastrocnemius soleus nerve of the cat. Their predominance is obvious. Single unit activity was recorded by a microelectrode inserted in dorsal root ganglia. But 40% of unmyelinated fibers were not activated by various algesic stimuli. They evidently have a function in cardiopulmonary adaptation to effort and possibly segmental vascular control as homonymous reflex effect on motoneurons. Their several properties are a possible explanation of muscular cramps.

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