The effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation on the denervated extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rabbit.

Both extensores digitorum longi (EDL) muscles of rabbits were denervated by crushing the common peroneal nerves. The EDL muscle on one side was directly stimulated at 10-12 Hz via implanted electrodes. This treatment reduced the changes of twitch/tetanus ratios produced by denervation and prevented the slowing of contraction and relaxation that follows denervation. It is concluded that the stimulation reduced the duration of the active state of denervated muscles. These effects of stimulation were reduced after 5 weeks, probably because by that time the slowing effect of low-frequency activity on the fast muscles became apparent.