Animal models of myoclonus using 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol) and chloralose.

A description of the physiological effects and pharmacological actions of catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and chloralose (monoglucochloralose) on muscular activity in animals has been presented. Catechol produces a stimulus-sensitive state wherein a tactile stimulus to a limb evokes a jerk in the muscles of that limb. This jerk can consist of three components: a polysynaptic spinal reflex, a periphero-corticospinal reflex, and a brainstem reflex. Chloralose also produces a stimulus-sensitive state with two components: a polysynaptic spinal reflex in the stimulated limb and a presumed spino-bulbo-spinal reflex activation of all body flexor muscles. The relevance of these agents as animal models for the mechanism of generation of human myoclonic activity has been discussed.