Influence of a sympathomimetic amine on masticatory and trapezius pain/pressure thresholds and electromyographic levels.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the influence of terbutaline, a beta-adrenergic sympathomimetic amine on pain/pressure thresholds in the index fingers and masseter and trapezius muscles and electromyographic activity in trapezii.


METHODS
In a randomized and double-blind controlled trial, 20 asymptomatic female subjects were assigned to receive either an injection of terbutaline or sterile water before collection of pain/pressure thresholds and electromyographic levels. Repeated analysis of variance and paired t tests were calculated to test for baseline and postinjection differences between groups.


RESULTS
No significant baseline or postinjection group differences in pain/pressure thresholds or electromyographic were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
beta-adrenergic sympathomimetic stimulation does not influence pain/pressure thresholds or electromyographic activity in the masselet and trapezius muscles or pain/pressure thresholds in the index fingers. These results suggest that development of painful muscle conditions is not caused by elevations of sympathetic activity.
Reid
K I
KI
University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
Carlson
C R
CR
Sherman
J J
JJ
Curran
S L
SL
Gracely
R H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000187:drug effects*; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D013726:Terbutaline