EXPERIMENTAL MYOTONIA AND REPETITIVE PHENOMENA: THE VERATRINIC EFFECTS OF 2,4-DICHLORPHENOXYACETATE (2,4-D) IN THE RAT

Abstract
2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetate produces in the neuromuscular apparatus of the rat a veratrinic response marked by repetitive response to single stimuli in muscle and nerve. This results in increased "twitch" tension and prolonged "twitch" duration. The repetitive responses and their sequelae are accentuated by K+ and acetylcholine and are obliterated by activity, quinine, Mg++, Ca++ and alpha-toco-pheryl phosphate. These phenomena are indistinguishable from those occurring in the spontaneous myotonia of man and goat, and also in response to several apparently unrelated chemical, physical and electrical agents.