The MuSK-BMP pathway maintains myofiber size in slow muscle through regulation of Akt-mTOR signaling.

Myofiber size regulation is critical in health, disease, and aging. MuSK (muscle-specific kinase) is a BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) co-receptor that promotes and shapes BMP signaling. MuSK is expressed at all neuromuscular junctions and is also present extrasynaptically in the mouse soleus, whose predominantly oxidative fiber composition is akin to that of human muscle. To investigate the role of the MuSK-BMP pathway in vivo, we generated mice lacking the BMP-binding MuSK Ig3 domain. These ∆Ig3-MuSK mice are viable and fertile with innervation levels comparable to wild type. In 3-month-old mice, myofibers are smaller in the slow soleus, but not in the fast tibialis anterior (TA). Transcriptomic analysis revealed soleus-selective decreases in RNA metabolism and protein synthesis pathways as well as dysregulation of IGF1-Akt-mTOR pathway components. Biochemical analysis showed that Akt-mTOR signaling is reduced in soleus but not TA. We propose that the MuSK-BMP pathway acts extrasynaptically to maintain myofiber size in slow muscle by promoting protein synthetic pathways including IGF1-Akt-mTOR signaling. These results reveal a novel mechanism for regulating myofiber size in slow muscle and introduce the MuSK-BMP pathway as a target for promoting muscle growth and combatting atrophy.

Resistance training does not increase myocellular garbage dumps: A pilot study on lipofuscin in skeletal muscle fibers of resistance trained young men.

Lipofuscin (LF) is an intracellular aggregate associated with proteostatic impairments, especially prevalent in nondividing skeletal muscle fibers. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) drive LF-formation. Resistance training (RT) improves muscle performance but also increases ROS production, potentially promoting LF-formation. Thus, we aimed to investigate if RT of a mesocycle duration increases LF-formation in type-I and II muscle fibers and whether RT increases the antioxidant capacity (AOC) in terms of SOD1 and SOD2 content. An intervention group (IG) performed 14 eccentrically accented RT-sessions within 7 weeks. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected before and after the intervention from IG as well as from a control group (CG) which refrained from RT for the same duration. LF was predominantly found near nuclei, followed by membrane-near and a minor amount in the fiber core, with corresponding spot sizes. Overall, LF-content was higher in type-I than type-II fibers (p < 0.05). There was no increase in LF-content in type-I or IIA fibers, neither for the IG following RT nor for the CG. The same is valid for SOD1/2. We conclude that, in healthy subjects, RT can be safely performed, without adverse effects on increased LF-formation.

Effects of sclerostin injection on soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscle tissue in male mice.

Sclerostin, a potent inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway, plays a critical role in bone homeostasis. Evidence suggests that sclerostin may also be involved in crosstalk between other tissues, including muscle. This pilot study attempted to examine the effects of sclerostin on soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle tissue from male mice that were given continuous recombinant sclerostin injections for 4 weeks. A total of 48 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to be sedentary or perform 1 h treadmill running per day for 4 weeks and administered subcutaneous injections of either saline or recombinant sclerostin 5 days/week. Sclerostin injection led to a reduction in the soleus myosin heavy chain (MHC) I, MHC I/IIA, MHC IIA/X, and MHC IIB cross-sectional area (p < 0.05) with no exercise effects on these reductions. In contrast, there were no effects of sclerostin injections or exercise on the fast-twitch EDL muscle in terms of size, MHC protein, or markers of Wnt signaling. These findings provide preliminary evidence of sclerostin's endocrine role in muscle via decreases in myofiber cross-sectional area, which seems to be independent of fiber type but muscle type-specific. More studies, however, are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Need for speed: Human fast-twitch mitochondria favor power over efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Human skeletal muscle consists of a mixture of slow- and fast-twitch fibers with distinct capacities for contraction mechanics, fermentation, and oxidative phosphorylation. While the divergence in mitochondrial volume favoring slow-twitch fibers is well established, data on the fiber type-specific intrinsic mitochondrial function and morphology are highly limited with existing data mainly being generated in animal models. This highlights the need for more human data on the topic. METHODS: Here, we utilized THRIFTY, a rapid fiber type identification protocol to detect, sort, and pool fast- and slow-twitch fibers within 6 h of muscle biopsy sampling. Respiration of permeabilized fast- and slow-twitch fiber pools was then analyzed with high-resolution respirometry. Using standardized western blot procedures, muscle fiber pools were subsequently analyzed for control proteins and key proteins related to respiratory capacity. RESULTS: Maximal complex I+II respiration was 25% higher in human slow-twitch fibers compared to fast-twitch fibers. However, per mitochondrial volume, the respiratory rate of mitochondria in fast-twitch fibers was approximately 50% higher for complex I+II, which was primarily mediated through elevated complex II respiration. Furthermore, the abundance of complex II protein and proteins regulating cristae structure were disproportionally elevated in mitochondria of the fast-twitch fibers. The difference in intrinsic respiratory rate was not reflected in fatty acid-or complex I respiration. CONCLUSION: Mitochondria of human fast-twitch muscle fibers compensate for their lack of volume by substantially elevating intrinsic respiratory rate through increased reliance on complex II.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of muscle fiber types on meat quality in livestock and poultry.

In the past, the primary emphasis of livestock and poultry breeding was mainly on improving the growth rate, meat production efficiency and disease resistance. However, the improvement of meat quality has become a major industrial focus due to the ongoing advancements in livestock and poultry breeding. Skeletal muscles consist of multinucleated myofibers formed through the processes of myoblast proliferation, differentiation and fusion. Muscle fibers can be broadly classified into two main types: slow-twitch (Type I) and fast-twitch (Type II). Fast-twitch fibers can be further categorized into Type IIa, Type IIx, and Type IIb. The proportion of Type I and Type IIa muscle fibers is positively associated with meat quality, while the presence of Type IIb muscle fibers in skeletal muscle tissue is inversely related to meat quality. Consequently, muscle fiber composition directly influences meat quality. The distribution of these fiber types within skeletal muscle is governed by a complex network, which encompasses numerous pivotal regulators and intricate signaling pathways. This article aims to succinctly outline the parameters utilized for assessing meat quality, elucidate the relationship between muscle fiber composition and meat quality as well as elaborate on the relevant genetic factors and their molecular mechanisms that regulate muscle fiber types in livestock and poultry. This summary will enrich our comprehension of how to improve meat quality in livestock and poultry, providing valuable insights for future improvements.

Prolonged mechanical muscle loading increases mechanosensor gene and protein levels and causes a moderate fast-to-slow fiber type switch in mice.

Mechanosensing and subsequent mechanotransduction are indispensable for muscle plasticity. Nevertheless, a scarcity of literature exists regarding an all-encompassing understanding of the muscle mechanosensing machinery's response to prolonged loading, especially in conditions that resemble a natural physiological state of skeletal muscle. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the effects of prolonged mechanical loading on mechanosensitive components, skeletal muscle characteristics, and metabolism-related gene clusters. Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups: control and prolonged mechanical loading. To induce prolonged mechanical loading on the triceps brachii (TRI) and biceps brachii (BIC) muscles, a 14-day period of tail suspension was implemented. In TRI only, prolonged mechanical loading caused a mild fast-to-slow fiber type shift together with increased mechanosensor gene and protein levels. It also increased transcription factors associated with slow muscle fibers while decreasing those related to fast-type muscle gene expression. Succinate dehydrogenase activity, a marker of muscle oxidative capacity, and genes involved in oxidative and mitochondrial turnover increased, whereas glycolytic-related genes decreased. Moreover, prolonged mechanical loading stimulated markers of muscle protein synthesis. Taken together, our data show a collective muscle-specific increase in mechanosensor gene and protein levels upon a period of prolonged mechanical loading in conditions that reflect a more natural physiological state of skeletal muscle in mice. We provide additional proof-of-concept that prolonged tail suspension-induced loading of the forelimbs triggers a muscle-specific fast-to-slow fiber type switch, and this coincides with increased protein synthesis-related signaling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of prolonged loading on mechanosensitive components in conditions that better reflect the natural physiological state of skeletal muscle. Although the muscle mechanosensing machinery has been widely acknowledged for its responsiveness to altered loading, an inclusive understanding of its response to prolonged loading remains scarce. Our results show a fast-to-slow fiber type shift and an upregulation of mechanosensor gene and protein levels following prolonged loading.

Type and Amount of Dietary Fiber Influence the Hindgut Synthesis of Organic Acids from Fermentable Material of Both Total and Nondietary Origin in a Pig Model of the Adult Human.

BACKGROUND: Organic acid synthesis by the hindgut microbiota is commonly believed to be mainly of fermentable material of dietary origin. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the hindgut organic acid synthesis from fermentable material of dietary (mainly fiber) or nondietary origin for different types and amounts of dietary fiber in growing pigs used as a model for adult humans. METHOD: Seven fiber-containing diets were formulated: 4 fiber types (cellulose, gum acacia, oligofructose, and pectin) at 6% of the diet and 3 (gum acacia, oligofructose, and pectin) at 3% as the sole fiber source. Ileal cannulated female pigs (n = 14; Landrace/Large white) were fed the fiber-containing diets (n = 6 pigs/diet) for 11 days (fiber phase) followed by 3 days on a fiber-free diet (fiber-free phase), using a replicated Youden square. Ileal digesta for each phase were collected and fermented in vitro with a pooled fecal microbial inoculum prepared from feces collected during the fiber phase to determine the organic acids synthesized from fermentable material of dietary (fiber phase) and nondietary (fiber-free phase) origins. RESULTS: The total amount of each individual organic acid synthesized during in vitro hindgut fermentation differed (P ≤ 0.05) across the types and amounts of dietary fiber intake. For example, the amount of acetate was 3.6-fold higher (P ≤ 0.05) for pigs fed the 6% pectin-containing diet than those fed the 6% oligofructose-containing diet. The nondietary substrate contributed between 36% (hexanoate) and 70% (succinate) to the total hindgut organic acid synthesis. The adaptation to the different fiber-containing diets led to different amounts of some organic acids of nondietary origin. CONCLUSIONS: The total amount of organic acids synthesized in the hindgut by the resident microbes is influenced by the type and amount of dietary fiber consumed. This study quantifies the interaction between both dietary and nondietary fermentable materials in hindgut fermentation.

Influence of Dietary Protein Source and Level on Histological Properties of Muscle and Adipose Tissue of Lambs.

The muscle and adipose tissue histological properties in wether and ewe lambs of Gentile di Puglia breed, fed diets including two protein sources [soybean meal (SB) and SB plus distillers dried grain with solubles (DD)] and three protein levels (12.5, 15.7, and 18.9%) were evaluated. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus/rump, cut, and stained (reciprocal aerobic and anaerobic stains) for muscle fiber typing and fat cell characterization. Fibers were classified as α-red, ß-red, and α-white. Lambs fed SB had larger α-white (p < 0.10) and smaller-diameter ß-red and α-red fibers (p < 0.05). Among dietary protein levels, lambs fed 12.5% protein exhibited the highest percentage of α-red and the greatest diameter of α-white fibers, whereas wethers had a higher percentage of α-red (p < 0.05), and ewes had a higher percentage of α-white fibers (p < 0.05). Intramuscular fat cells were larger (p < 0.10) in ewes than in wethers. Lambs in the group fed 12.5% protein had larger subcutaneous fat cells at the sacral vertebrae location. Overall, both sources and levels of dietary protein had significant effects on lamb muscle and fat histological features, suggesting the potential of modulating muscle or fiber types through dietary protein strategies.

An Early and Sustained Inflammatory State Induces Muscle Changes and Establishes Obesogenic Characteristics in Wistar Rats Exposed to the MSG-Induced Obesity Model.

The model of obesity induced by monosodium glutamate cytotoxicity on the hypothalamic nuclei is widely used in the literature. However, MSG promotes persistent muscle changes and there is a significant lack of studies that seek to elucidate the mechanisms by which damage refractory to reversal is established. This study aimed to investigate the early and chronic effects of MSG induction of obesity upon systemic and muscular parameters of Wistar rats. The animals were exposed to MSG subcutaneously (4 mg·g-1 b.w.) or saline (1.25 mg·g-1 b.w.) daily from PND01 to PND05 (n = 24). Afterwards, in PND15, 12 animals were euthanized to determine the plasma and inflammatory profile and to assess muscle damage. In PND142, the remaining animals were euthanized, and samples for histological and biochemical analyses were obtained. Our results suggest that early exposure to MSG reduced growth, increased adiposity, and inducted hyperinsulinemia and a pro-inflammatory scenario. In adulthood, the following were observed: peripheral insulin resistance, increased fibrosis, oxidative distress, and a reduction in muscle mass, oxidative capacity, and neuromuscular junctions, increased fibrosis, and oxidative distress. Thus, we can conclude that the condition found in adult life and the difficulty restoring in the muscle profile is related to the metabolic damage established early on.

Generation and analysis of synthetic surface electromyography signals under varied muscle fiber type proportions and validation using recorded signals.

The magnitude and duration of muscle force production are influenced by the fiber type proportion. In this work, surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of muscles with varied fiber type proportions, are generated. For this, relevant components of existing models reported in various literature have been adopted. Also, a method to calculate the motor unit size factor is proposed. sEMG signals of adductor pollicis (AP) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles are simulated from the onset of force production to muscle fatigue state at various percentages of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) values. The model is validated using signals recorded from these muscles using well-defined isometric exercise protocols. Root mean square and mean power spectral density values extracted from the simulated and recorded signals are found to increase for TB and decrease for AP with time. A linear variation of the features with %MVC values is obtained for simulated and experimental results. The Bland-Altman plot is used to analyze the agreement between simulated and experimental feature values. Good agreement is obtained for the feature values at various %MVCs. The mean endurance time calculated using the model is found to be comparable to that of the experimental value. This method can be used to generate sEMG signals of different muscles with varying fiber type ratios under various neuromuscular conditions.

Morphological and histochemical characterization of the pectoral fin muscle of batoids.

Batoids differ from other elasmobranch fishes in that they possess dorsoventrally flattened bodies with enlarged muscled pectoral fins. Most batoids also swim using either of two modes of locomotion: undulation or oscillation of the pectoral fins. In other elasmobranchs (e.g., sharks), the main locomotory muscle is located in the axial myotome; in contrast, the main locomotory muscle in batoids is found in the enlarged pectoral fins. The pectoral fin muscles of sharks have a simple structure, confined to the base of the fin; however, little to no data are available on the more complex musculature within the pectoral fins of batoids. Understanding the types of fibers and their arrangement within the pectoral fins may elucidate how batoid fishes are able to utilize such unique swimming modes. In the present study, histochemical methods including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and immunofluoresence were used to determine the different fiber types comprising these muscles in three batoid species: Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina), ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) and cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus). All three species had muscles comprised of two muscle fiber types (slow-red and fast-white). The undulatory species, D. sabina and P. motoro, had a larger proportion of fast-white muscle fibers compared to the oscillatory species, R. bonasus. The muscle fiber sizes were similar between each species, though generally smaller compared to the axial musculature in other elasmobranch fishes. These results suggest that batoid locomotion can be distinguished using muscle fiber type proportions. Undulatory species are more benthic with fast-white fibers allowing them to contract their muscles quickly, as a possible means of escape from potential predators. Oscillatory species are pelagic and are known to migrate long distances with muscles using slow-red fibers to aid in sustained swimming.

Tipos de fibras de los músculos intrínsecos laríngeos de seres humanos: una revisión de la literatura / Fiber types in human intrinsic laryngeal muscles: a literature review

El estudio de las fibras musculares permite comprender con mejor detalle la composición de los músculos y sus características funcionales. Además, facilita la aplicación de programas de entrenamiento y rehabilitación basados en las vías energéticas que regulan la contracción muscular. Su estudio generalmente va unido al análisis de las cadenas pesadas de miosina (MyHC), las que informan sobre las características y propiedades funcionales del músculo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue sintetizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre la distribución de fibras musculares y de isoformas de cadenas pesadas de miosina de los músculos intrínsecos de la laringe de seres humanos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura mediante el análisis de artículos encontrados en las bases de datos PubMed, EBSCOHost y SciELO. Los hallazgos informan sobre la existencia de fibras tónicas lentas y tipo I, II, IIA y IIX/IIB. Además, se reconoce la presencia de las isoformas MyHC-I, MyHC-IIA, MyHC-IIX, MyHC-Fetal, MyHC-L y MyHC-IIB. En conclusión, los músculos intrínsecos de la laringe presentan una mezcla de fibras y de isoformas de MyHC lentas y rápidas,la que obedece a adaptaciones y cambios evolutivos que han permitido, por ejemplo, las características fonatorias que presenta la voz del ser humano.

The study of muscle fibers allows the composition of muscles and their functional characteristics to be understood in greaterdetail. In addition, it makes it possible to applytraining and rehabilitation programs based on the energypathways that regulatemuscle contraction. Studying muscle fibers is generally associated withthe analysis of myosin heavy chains (MHC) which provide information on the functional characteristics and properties of muscles. The objective of this study was to synthesize the available scientific evidence onthe distribution of muscle fibers and myosin heavy chain isoforms present in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles of human beings. A systematic reviewof the literature was carried outand articles found on PubMed, EBSCOHost,and SciELOwere analyzed.The findings showthe presenceof slow-tonic, type I, type II, type IIA, and type IIX/IIB fibers. Additionally,isoforms MHC-I, MHC-IIA, MHC-IIX, MHC-Fetal, MHC-L, and MHC-IIB canbe found. In conclusion, intrinsic laryngeal muscles are composed ofa combination of slow and fast fibers and MHC isoforms, derived from evolutionary adaptations and changes which have given way, among other things, to the phonetic characteristics ofthe human voice.

Sox6 Differentially Regulates Inherited Myogenic Abilities and Muscle Fiber Types of Satellite Cells Derived from Fast- and Slow-Type Muscles.

Adult skeletal muscle is primarily divided into fast and slow-type muscles, which have distinct capacities for regeneration, metabolism and contractibility. Satellite cells plays an important role in adult skeletal muscle. However, the underlying mechanisms of satellite cell myogenesis are poorly understood. We previously found that Sox6 was highly expressed in adult fast-type muscle. Therefore, we aimed to validate the satellite cell myogenesis from different muscle fiber types and investigate the regulation of Sox6 on satellite cell myogenesis. First, we isolated satellite cells from fast- and slow-type muscles individually. We found that satellite cells derived from different muscle fiber types generated myotubes similar to their origin types. Further, we observed that cells derived from fast muscles had a higher efficiency to proliferate but lower potential to self-renew compared to the cells derived from slow muscles. Then we demonstrated that Sox6 facilitated the development of satellite cells-derived myotubes toward their inherent muscle fiber types. We revealed that higher expression of Nfix during the differentiation of fast-type muscle-derived myogenic cells inhibited the transcription of slow-type isoforms (MyH7B, Tnnc1) by binding to Sox6. On the other hand, Sox6 activated Mef2C to promote the slow fiber formation in slow-type muscle-derived myogenic cells with Nfix low expression, showing a different effect of Sox6 on the regulation of satellite cell development. Our findings demonstrated that satellite cells, the myogenic progenitor cells, tend to develop towards the fiber type similar to where they originated. The expression of Sox6 and Nfix partially explain the developmental differences of myogenic cells derived from fast- and slow-type muscles.

Metabolic and morphological profile in skeletal muscle of healthy boys and girls.

It was hypothesized that the typical adult pattern of higher glycolytic capacity in skeletal muscle of males compared to females is not observed in children and that fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) is a determinant of glycolytic capacity in children. Biopsies were performed in vastus lateralis in 9-12 years-old healthy boys and girls (N = 27). Fiber types were classified by myofibrillar ATPase staining and CSA was measured using planimetry. Citrate synthase (CS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) were analyzed using fluorometric and spectrophotometric methods. There was no significant difference between boys and girls in CS activity (0.45 ± 0.1 µkat g-1 dry muscle in boys and 0.42 ± 0.1 in girls) or LD activity (24 ± 6 µkat g-1 dry muscle in boys and 25 ± 7 in girls). CSA did not differ between boys and girls. CS was inversely related to type I CSA (r = -0.62, p < 0.001) and LD was directly related to type IIA (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and type IIB CSA (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). CSA was a significant determinant of CS and LD, even after adjusting for sex and relative fiber type area in multiple regression analysis. This suggests that the typical adult pattern of higher muscle glycolytic capacity in males than in females, as estimated by LD activity, was not observed in children. Sex-specific patterns in glycolytic capacity thus appear to develop during the transition from childhood to adulthood. In addition, fiber CSA was a strong determinant of both muscle glycolytic and oxidative capacity in children, regardless of sex.

Research Note: Expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor proteins in skeletal muscle fiber types in chickens with hepatic fibrosis.

We investigated the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in skeletal muscle fiber types in chickens with hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Eleven hens, approximately 104 weeks old, were randomly assigned to BDL (n = 4) and sham surgery (SHAM; n = 7) groups. In BDL hens, histopathology revealed marked bile duct proliferation and liver fibrosis. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of myofibers from both the pectoralis (PCT) muscles significantly decreased in the BDL group compared with the SHAM group (P < 0.01). In contrast, the CSA of myofibers from the femorotibialis lateralis (FTL) muscle did not decrease in the BDL group. Type I fibers were large, round, and hypertrophic. Elongated type IIA and IIB fibers were also present. For IGF-1 immunostaining, the immunoreaction intensity was higher in the PCT in the BDL group than the SHAM group. Within the BDL group, type I fibers from FTL had a stronger immunoreaction intensity than the type II fibers. For IGF-1R immunostaining, the intensity of the immunoreactions was similar within the PCT in the BDL group compared with the SHAM group. For FTL, type I fibers had stronger reactions to IGF-1R than type II fibers in the BDL group. These results suggest that type I fibers express both IGF-1 and IGF-1R and become hypertrophic in chickens with hepatic fibrosis.

Effects of Type and Content of Fibers, Water-to-Cement Ratio, and Cementitious Materials on the Shrinkage and Creep of Ultra-High Performance Concrete.

The effects of the type and content of fibers, water to cement ratio (W/C), and content of cementitious materials on the shrinkage and creep of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were investigated. The relationships between curing age, shrinkage, and unit creep of the UHPC were also discussed. The results showed that the shrinkage of the UHPC decreased with the increase in W/C, where there existed a quadratic function between shrinkage and W/C. However, the unit creep of the UHPC increased with W/C. The shrinkage and unit creep of the UHPC increased with the increase in the content of the cementitious materials. The type and content of fibers had different effects on the shrinkage and unit creep of the UHPC, that is, the shrinkage of the UHPC first increased and then decreased with the increase in the content of steel fibers, where there existed a quadratic function between them. There was a linear function between the shrinkage of the UHPC and the content of carbon fibers, but the shrinkage of the UHCP first increased and then decreased with the increase in PVA content. The shrinkage and unit creep of the UHPC at the initial curing age were significant, which tended to be constant with the increase in curing age. Although the steel fibers had a significant inhibiting effect on the unit creep of the UHPC, the carbon fibers and PVA had positive and negative effects on the unit creep of the UHPC. The effects of the type and content of fibers on the shrinkage and unit creep of the UHPC were caused by the slenderness ratio, shape, surface roughness, and elasticity modulus of the fibers. The shrinkage and creep of the UHPC were caused by the chemical autogenous shrinkage and free water evaporation of the UHPC.

Segmental composition of the porcine iliopsoas muscle and influence of the body size and posture on the composition of the iliopsoas muscle.

The iliopsoas muscle (IPM) of the pig consists of the iliacus muscle (IM) and the psoas major muscle (PMM). Due to the differences in posture and size between animal species, the musculoskeletal system is subjected to different functional demands, which affects the morphological characteristics of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to determine the muscle fiber type composition in pigs IPM, as pigs are large quadrupeds that differ in body size and posture from humans and small mammals, and to determine the influence of body size and posture on the composition of IPM. Muscle samples were collected from the Pietrain Landrace pigs, a sample from IM and a samples at four segments of the PMM. Samples were analyzed with monoclonal antibodies specific for different isoforms of the myosin heavy chain. The percentages and cross-sectional area (CSA) of type I, IIA, and IIX/IIB muscle fibers were calculated. Our studies revealed that in pigs IPM, type IIX/IIB muscle fibers were predominant with the largest CSA. A decrease in the proportion of type IIX/IIB muscle fibers, an increase in type I and IIA muscle fibers, and a decrease in the CSA of all muscle fiber types from the cranial to the caudal part of the PMM were observed. The pig IPM has primarily a dynamic function. The function of the PMM in the cranio-caudal direction changes from a dynamic to a static role. Body size and posture influence the composition of the IPM.

Morphometric and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of the Adult Human Soft Palate Muscles.

The soft palate is the only structure that reversibly separates the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Most species can eat and breathe at the same time. Humans cannot do this and malfunction of the soft palate may allow food to enter the lungs and cause fatal aspiration pneumonia. Speech is the most defining characteristic of humans and the soft palate, along with the larynx and tongue, plays the key roles. In addition, palatal muscles are involved in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Considering the significance of the soft palate, its function is insufficiently understood. The objectives of this study were to document morphometric and immunohistochemical characteristics of adult human soft palate muscles, including fiber size, the fiber type, and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition for better understanding muscle functions. In this study, 15 soft palates were obtained from human autopsies. The palatal muscles were separated, cryosectioned, and stained using histological and immunohistochemical techniques. The results showed that there was a fast type II predominance in the musculus uvulae and palatopharyngeus and a slow type I predominance in the levator veli palatine. Approximately equal proportions of type I and type II fibers existed in both the palatoglossus and tensor veli palatine. Soft palate muscles also contained hybrid fibers and some specialized myofibers expressing slow-tonic and embryonic MyHC isoforms. These findings would help better understand muscle functions.

Immunohistochemistry of kangaroo rat hindlimb muscles.

Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) use specialized bipedal hopping like that of kangaroos. In contrast to kangaroos that have elastic tendons capable of storing energy, kangaroo rats have inelastic tendons that are unable to store large amounts of energy. Thus, the musculature of the ankle joint provides the greatest power contribution to kangaroo rat hopping. Skeletal muscle can be characterized by several fiber types, including slow twitch (Type I) and fast twitch (Type II) fibers. Fast fibers are found in higher concentration in muscles that perform quick, dynamic movements, whereas slow fibers are found in higher proportion in muscles that perform slow, endurant movements. Using fiber type specific antibodies, we identified four pure (Types I, IIA, IIB, and IIX) and two hybrid (Types I/IIA and IIA/IIX) fiber types in six hindlimb muscles from three kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) to investigate the relationship between fiber composition and hindlimb muscle function. Hindlimb muscles (except soleus) were dominated by Type IIB fibers, which were largest in cross-sectional area, and are known to be best suited for rapid and explosive movements. Oxidative Type IIA and Type IIX fibers were found at moderate concentrations and likely function in maintaining continual saltatory locomotion. Thus, kangaroo rats can use these two fiber type populations as "gears" for both endurant and explosive behaviors.