To study function of the segmental part of the autonomic nervous system as shown by mm interossei dorsalis excitability threshold (ET) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of different activity and under morning stiffness.
The ET was studied in 38 healthy subjects (control group) and 111 RA patients using a diagnostic electric acupuncture device "Prognosis-6".
Mm. interossei dorsalis ET rise was registered in 84.7% RA patients. A step-by-step (4 clusters) increase in hand muscle rheobase was seen demonstrating influence of inflammation activity on muscular ET. In morning stiffness, weak current failed to register ET of the studied muscles in RA patients.
The disturbed neuromuscular transmission present segmental vegetative mechanisms of morning stiffness formation in RA.