[Experimental validation of the use of the masseter muscle in treating paralysis of the mimetic muscles].

In 15 rabbits the distal end of masseter muscle was surgically transposed to perioral region. After 90, 120 and 180 days the altered muscle position and reduction of functional load did not cause its degeneration. Rather, these conditions elicited a functional reordering evidenced by reduction of muscular fibers' cross-sectional area, the number of surrounding capillaries, decrease in the succinate dehydrogenase activity and increase in connective tissue layer.