The Neuromuscular Mechanism of Alkalotic and Hypocalcemic Tetany.

Tetany was produced acutely in eleven cats and one dog with solutions of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and a phosphate buffer administered by venoclysis. Fasciculations and tonic spasms involving especially the head and forelimb musculature characterized this form of tetany. Clonic spasms were were not seen in anesthetized animals. 2. Section of the hypoglossal nerve did not significantly influence the fasciculations of the tongue musculature. Section of the brachial plexus did not significantly influence the fasciculations or tonic spasms of the fore-limb musculature. 3. Paralytic doses of d-tubocurarine blocked all motor manifestations of tetany. 4. It was concluded that all of the motor phenomena characterizing alkalotic and hypocalcemic tetany could result from the spontaneous iterative discharges occurring in peripheral motor nerve fibers or their terminations.