[State of labyrinth tonic posture reflexes during administration to rabbits of microelements (copper, manganese and cobalt)].

The influence of varying doses of copper, manganese and cobalt chlorides on the labyrinthine tonic reflexes of rabbits was studied electromyographically. The presence and intensity of the reflexes were measured with respect to changes in the electric activity of muscles-extensors of forelimbs and occiput during the rotation of an animal along the bitemporal axis. Under the influence of cobalt (0.01 and 0.001 mg/kg), copper (0.1 mg/kg) and manganese (0.01 mg/kg) the threshold of adequate stimulation of the labyrinthine apparatus decreased and the time of the reflex response increased. This can be related to increased excitability of stem centers that are responsible for the realization of these reflexes. Larger doses of copper (1.0 mg/kg) and manganese (0.1 mg/kg) resulted in a significant and prolonged inhibition of tonic reflexes from the labyrinth to the limbs of rabbits. These data suggest an important role played by trace elements in the regulation and adjustment of the vestibular system.