Effect of occlusal bite‐raising splint on electromyogram, motor unit histochemistry and myoneuronal dimensions in rats

Abstract

Composite resin bite-raising splints were fabricated on both sides of the upper jaw in rats. EMG activity of the deep masseter muscle was monitored continuously for 24 h before and up to 4 weeks after treatment. Together with the EMG activity, measurements of the neuromuscular junction area and muscle fibre histochemistry were made. EMG activity showed great variability immediately after splint fabrication. Some of the animals showed increased EMG activity, while others exhibited less activity 48 h after splint application. Overall, the fluctuation lasted for about 4 days, and after approximately 7 days all the animals exhibited decreased EMG activity, followed by a gradual increase in activity towards baseline levels. The neuromuscular junction territory increased significantly 5-10 days after splint application. Histochemical characterization of the deep masseter muscle revealed that it contained the three main types of muscle fibre: slow oxidative (SO), fast-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and fast glycolytic (FG). The frequency distribution of fibre types did not change after bite-raising splint treatment. These findings indicated that splint treatment in rats is effective in reducing EMG activity, while the muscle type characteristics remain stable. The effect of lower activity on the motor end-plates suggested that the neuromuscular junctions are quite sensitive to functional changes.