ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Key words Muscle injury
;
Cytoskeleton
;
Sarcomere organisation
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Ultrastructure
;
Rabbit (New Zealand White)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic techniques were used to analyze the extensor digitorum longus muscles of New Zealand White rabbits 1 h, 1 day, 3, 7, and 28 days after repetitive eccentric contractions. Loss of the cytoskeletal protein desmin was the earliest manifestation of injury. Apart from 1 h post-exercise, all desmin-negative fibers stained positively with antibody to plasma fibronectin, indicating loss of cellular integrity accompanying cytoskeletal disruption. Fiber sizes were significantly increased from 1–7 days after exercise. The large (hyaline) fibers found in histological sections after repetitive eccentric contractions resulted from segmental hypercontraction of the fiber. This phenomenon occurred proximally and distally to plasma membrane lesions of the muscle fiber and necrosis and manifested itself as very short sarcomere lengths. Thus, in serial sections, staining characteristics, sizes and shapes of one and the same fiber often varied dramatically. We conclude that the following sequence of events occurs: cytoskeletal disruptions, loss of myofibrillar registry, i.e., Z-disk streaming and A-band disorganization, and loss of cell integrity as manifested by intracellular plasma fibronectin stain, hypercontracted regions, and invasion of cells. When a fiber is disrupted, the remaining intact fibers apparently take up the tension put on the muscle and later fewer fibers are subjected to eccentric contractions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004410051108
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