Mechanism involved in paralysis of the diaphragm in botulism, tetanus, and diphtheria
Mikhailov, V.V.; Mikhailova, S.D.
Patol Fiziol Eksp Terap 9(5): 14-18
1965
Accession: 024987543
In generalized forms of botulism and diphtheria there is a significant reduction, and in tetanus an increase of the electric activity in the central end of a divided phrenic nerve. Local affections of the diaphragm with botulin and tetanus toxin causes a prolongation of the refractory phases and a delay of the nerve impulse transmission along the phrenic nerve. These disturbances are absent in local diphtheria paralysis of the diaphragm. The authors regard functional disturbances of the peripheral neuromuscular diaphragm apparatuses in botulism and tetanus as being due to exclusion of the trophic effect of the spinal motor nerve centres on their peripheral nerve conductors.