模拟失重条件下大鼠比目鱼肌肌梭神经营养因子3表达降低

本研究旨在探讨模拟失重对大鼠比目鱼肌肌梭神经营养因子3(neurotrophin-3,NT-3)表达的影响。采用大鼠尾部悬吊法建立模拟失重动物模型,按体重配对原则随机将大鼠分为5组,即尾悬吊3d组、7d组、14d组、21d组和正常同步对照组。采用免疫组织化学ABC染色法及酶联免疫吸附实验法(ELISA)检测大鼠比目鱼肌肌梭NT-3的表达。结果显示,大鼠比目鱼肌梭外肌中未见到NT-3表达;正常对照组大鼠比目鱼肌肌梭中,核袋1和核袋2纤维NT-3呈现强阳性表达;模拟失重后,梭内肌纤维的NT-3免疫染色反应进行性降低;NT-3的ELISA定量检测结果显示,正常组、尾悬吊3d组、7d组、14d组和21d组大鼠比目鱼肌NT-3的含量分别为(14.23±1.65)、(14.11±1.53)、(13.09±1.47)、(12.45±1.51)和(9.85±1.52)pg/mg。统计比较显示,尾悬吊14d后,大鼠比目鱼肌NT-3的含量较正常对照组明显减少(P<0.05);而尾悬吊21d后,大鼠比目鱼肌NT-3的表达进一步减少(P<0.01)。以上结果表明,模拟失重可致大鼠比目鱼肌肌梭NT-3的表达明显减少,并且随着模拟失重时...     

尾部悬吊对达乌尔黄鼠比目鱼肌形态及 mATP 酶活性的影响

采用尾部悬吊法建立后肢骨骼肌废用的动物模型,以肌球蛋白ATP酶(mATPase)法测定比目鱼肌的mATPase活性,依据mATPase染色结果进行肌纤维分型,并测量肌纤维横截面积(Cross-section area,CSA),首次观察了尾部悬吊对达乌尔黄鼠比目鱼肌湿重、CSA和梭外肌、梭内肌纤维mATPase活性的影响,并与尾部悬吊大鼠进行了比较。旨在探讨冬眠动物骨骼肌在废用状态下的变化。结果显示,尾部悬吊14d可使大鼠比目鱼肌湿重体重比下降35.52%(P<0.001),Ⅰ型肌纤维CSA和Ⅱ型肌纤维CSA分别下降18.91%和20.68%(P<0.05);肌纤维平均CSA减少20.45%(P<0.01)。比目鱼肌中Ⅰ型肌纤维的构成比由对照组的80.61%降低为66.83%,Ⅱ型肌纤维的构成比由19.39%增加到33.17%(P<0.001);梭内肌纤维mATPase活性增强,核袋1纤维的mATPase染色由阴性(-)转变为强阳性( ),核袋2纤维和核链纤维由阳性( )转变为强阳性( )。而达乌尔黄鼠在尾部悬吊14d后,比目鱼肌湿重仅比对照组下降0.05%,Ⅰ、Ⅱ型肌纤维CSA与平均CSA分别比对照组减少0.84%、0.63%和0.37%,均无明显差异(P>0.05);与对照组相比,比目鱼肌中Ⅰ型肌纤维的构成比从82.55%减少到77.30%,Ⅱ型肌纤维的构成比由17.45%增加到22.70%(P<0.05);梭内肌纤维mATPase活性亦明显升高,核袋1纤维的mATPase染色由对照组的阴性(-)转化为强阳性( ),核袋2纤维及核链纤维则由对照组的阳性( )转化为核袋2纤维呈阳性( ),核链纤维则呈弱阳性( )。结果表明:尾部悬吊可致大鼠比目鱼肌明显萎缩;达乌尔黄鼠比目鱼肌则无明显萎缩;两者比目鱼肌梭内、外肌mATPase活性均明显升高。     

一种复方制剂对尾部悬吊大鼠比目鱼肌mATP酶活性升高及肌萎缩的对抗效应观察

目的:探讨一种中药复方制剂RC对模拟失重条件下大鼠比目鱼肌(SOL)的mATP酶活性及肌萎缩的影响.方法:尾部悬吊法建立大鼠模拟失重模型,测量比目鱼肌的湿重体重比(mg/g),以Ca2 -ATPase法测定比目鱼肌中mATP酶活性,计算Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型肌纤维的比例,测定比目鱼肌中Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型肌纤维的横截面积(CSA).结果:与吊尾 溶媒灌胃组相比,吊尾14天后,吊尾 RC灌胃组的湿重体重比增加了33.33%(P<0.01);比目鱼肌中Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型肌纤维CSA均显著增加(143.03%, P<0.01; 83.25%, P<0.01);比目鱼肌中Ⅰ型肌纤维比例明显升高,Ⅱ型肌纤维比例明显降低(P<0.01).结论:复方制剂RC对模拟失重条件下大鼠比目鱼肌mATP酶活性的升高与模拟失重引起的肌萎缩有显著的对抗作用.     

改良的大鼠模拟失重模型制备方法*

目的: 介绍一种改良的尾部悬吊使后肢去负荷的制备大鼠模拟失重模型的方法。方法: 90只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组,经典尾吊组和改良尾吊组(每组30只)。经典尾吊组利用医用胶带和纱布制作大鼠尾套后悬吊大鼠尾部。改良尾吊组在上述操作基础之上,在尾套内增加聚乙烯发泡棉隔层,以缓冲纱布对尾部的挤压,保证远端血液循环。对照组尾部不做特殊处理。尾吊4周后观察尾部损伤和尾套脱落等并发症,测量大鼠体质量及右侧比目鱼肌湿重。结果: 与对照组相比,经典尾吊组的比目鱼肌湿重/体质量比值显著减少,但体质量无显著差异,大鼠尾部远端出现缺血坏死损伤的发生率为40.0%,尾套脱落的发生率为26.7%,模型成功率为33.3%;与经典尾吊组相比,改良尾吊组的尾部损伤程度明显降低,远端缺血坏死率为13.3%, 尾套脱落率为3.3%,模型成功率为83.3% (P均＜0.05)。结论: 采用改良尾吊法建立大鼠模拟失重模型能够显著减少鼠尾坏死和尾套脱落发生率,简单易行,提高了模型制备的成功率。     

白羽王鸽肌生成抑制因子基因的多态性与组织表达

肌生成抑制因子在抑制成肌细胞的增殖与分化中起着重要作用。本文采用PCR-SSCP与实时定量RT-PCR方法分析白羽王鸽肌生成抑制因子(MSTN基因)的多态性和在脑、肝脏、胸肌组织中的mRNA表达水平及其与体重的相关性。结果表明在白羽王鸽MSTN基因的外显子1和外显子3区域分别检测到一个多态位点,且均属于沉默突变;肝脏、肌肉和脑组织中MSTN基因的表达量依次为肝脏脑肌肉,且差异极显著。而对不同发育阶段的乳鸽研究发现,随着乳鸽日龄(1～25d)的增长,MSTN基因在各组织中的表达量无明显的线性变化规律。该结果为进一步确定MSTN基因的作用机理提供了新的实验依据。     

振动训练对制动大鼠单一肌梭电生理活动的影响

采用石膏固定建立后肢制动模型,用空气隔绝法记录大鼠单一肌梭的电生理活动,用振动仪给制动+振动组比目鱼肌施加高频振动,7 d后观察大鼠制动侧比目鱼肌肌梭的电生理活动变化。比目鱼肌的湿重与非制动侧相比降低了15.33%±4.76%(P<0.05);有自发放电的肌梭数量减少(P<0.05);静息放电频率降低(P<0.05)。制动期间施加高频振动组,比目鱼肌湿重减少的程度明显降低(P<0.05);自发放电的肌梭数量、肌梭的放电频率明显高于制动组(P<0.05)。制动期间的肌肉振动对制动所致肌梭电生理活动特性的改变有明显的对抗作用。     

模拟失重对大鼠血清胃泌素、胃动素和胃窦Cajal间质细胞的影响

目的：研究尾悬吊模拟失重环境对大鼠血清胃泌素（GAS）、胃动素（MTL）和胃窦Cajal间质细胞（ICC）的影响。方法：健康雄性Wistar大鼠64只随机分为8组（rt=8）,按模拟失重时相分别设为6h、12h、1d、2d、3d、5d、7d和0h（地面对照组）组,采用尾悬吊法建立模拟失重动物模型。应用放免法测定血清GAS、MTL浓度,免疫组化和RT—PCR技术检测各组大鼠胃窦组织中c—kit蛋白和mRNA表达情况。结果：尾悬吊6、12h阶段,血清GAS浓度明显升高,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;随尾悬吊时相延长,血清GAS含量呈逐渐下降趋势,与正常对照组水平相近。尾悬吊各组大鼠血清MTL浓度均升高,12h以后各组MTL浓度值与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。免疫组化结果显示,c—kit蛋白阳性表达为棕褐色,主要分布在ICC胞体和突起,正常对照组大鼠胃窦肌层ICC（ICC—MY）呈连续性浓染,肌层内ICC（ICC—IM）亦明晰可见;6h-5d的尾悬吊过程中,大鼠胃窦ICC—MY连续性出现中断现象且逐渐明显,染色逐渐减弱,ICC—IM染色减弱的同时c—kit阳性ICC也明显减少;7d组胃窦组织中c—kit蛋白表达有所恢复。模拟失重各组及对照组大鼠胃窦组织中均有c—kitmRNA表达,尾悬吊6、12h组的c—kitmRNA表达明显下降,与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,1～3d组逐渐恢复,5d组又出现明显下降（P〈0．05）,7d组c—kitmRNA表达值明显复升。结论：尾悬吊模拟失重对大鼠血清GAS、MTL和胃窦Cajal间质细胞c—kit蛋白及mRNA表达造成明显影响,可能导致胃动力障碍。     

川芎及两种主要药效成分对废用性肌萎缩的影响

目的：探讨川芎及川芎中起活血作用的两种主要药效成分（阿魏酸钠和川芎嗪）对后肢去负荷大鼠比目鱼肌萎缩的影响与作用。方法：尾部悬吊法建立大鼠废用性肌萎缩模型,用免疫组化技术及血液流变学方法观察药物对比目鱼肌各项指标的影响。结果：与后肢去负荷大鼠相比①高剂量的阿魏酸钠和川芎嗪使比目鱼肌I型肌纤维横截面积分别增加了37.3%和39.4%（P〈0.05）;②三种药物均能明显抑制梭外肌纤维MHCII表达水平的升高（P〈0.01）;③使肌梭内核袋2纤维MHCII的表达由阳性转变为阴性;④并能明显降低低切变率下的全血粘度。结论：川芎及两种主要药效成分阿魏酸钠与川芎嗪均能不同程度地对抗废用性肌萎缩的发生,以高剂量川芎嗪与阿魏酸钠的药效最为明显。     

功能矫形前伸青春期大鼠下颌后翼外肌MyoD、myogenin 的表达

目的:探讨"应力-生长(改建)"在细胞水平上的体现,为功能矫形治疗和矫治效果的保持提供新思路和实验依据。方法:本实验选用20只4周龄,雄性SD大鼠随机分为8组。其中实验组大鼠经戊巴比妥麻醉后佩戴上颌斜面导板,对照组未佩用。依据时间不同又分为四组:1d,7d,14d,21d。采用RT-PCR技术分析各组大鼠翼外肌组织中肌分化相关基因MyoD、myogenin mRNA的表达变化。结果:未施加功能矫形力的大鼠翼外肌组织MyoD表达伴随其生长发育呈现递减趋势,实验组在第7 d出现表达上调。同时,力学刺激后实验组动物myogenin的表达与对照组相比较在14 d组出现明显上调。结论:功能矫形力作用于翼外肌组织可以诱导MyoD和myogenin的表达上调进而诱导成肌细胞的分化。     

功能矫形前伸青春期大鼠下颌后翼外肌MyoD、myogenin的表达

目的：探讨＂应力-生长（改建）＂在细胞水平上的体现,为功能矫形治疗和矫治效果的保持提供新思路和实验依据。方法：本实验选用20只4周龄,雄性SD大鼠随机分为8组。其中实验组大鼠经戊巴比妥麻醉后佩戴上颌斜面导板,对照组未佩用。依据时间不同又分为四组：1d,7d,14d,21d。采用RT-PCR技术分析各组大鼠翼外肌组织中肌分化相关基因MyoD、myogenin mRNA的表达变化。结果：未施加功能矫形力的大鼠翼外肌组织MyoD表达伴随其生长发育呈现递减趋势,实验组在第7 d出现表达上调。同时,力学刺激后实验组动物myogenin的表达与对照组相比较在14 d组出现明显上调。结论：功能矫形力作用于翼外肌组织可以诱导MyoD和myogenin的表达上调进而诱导成肌细胞的分化。     

Regulation of skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor gene expression by biomechanical unloading.

Biomechanical unloading of the rat soleus by hindlimb unweighting is known to induce atrophy and a slow- to fast-twitch transition of skeletal muscle contractile properties, particularly in slow-twitch muscles such as the soleus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the expression of the dihydropyridine (DHP) receptor gene is upregulated in unloaded slow-twitch soleus muscles. A rat DHP receptor cDNA was isolated by screening a random-primed cDNA lambda gt10 library from denervated rat skeletal muscle with oligonucleotide probes complementary to the coding region of the rabbit DHP receptor cDNA. Muscle mass and DHP receptor mRNA expression were assessed 1, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days after hindlimb unweighting in rats by tail suspension. Isometric twitch contraction times of soleus muscles were measured at 28 days of unweighting. Northern blot analysis showed that tissue distribution of DHP receptor mRNA was specific for skeletal muscle and expression was 200% greater in control fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) than in control soleus muscles. A significant stimulation (80%) in receptor message of the soleus was induced as early as 24 h of unloading without changes in muscle mass. Unloading for 28 days induced marked atrophy (control = 133 +/- 3 vs. unweighted = 62.4 +/- 1.8 mg), and expression of the DHP receptor mRNA in the soleus was indistinguishable from levels normally expressed in EDL muscles. These changes in mRNA expression are in the same direction as the 37% reduction in time to peak tension and 28% decrease in half-relaxation time 28 days after unweighting. Our results suggest that muscle loading necessary for weight support modulates the expression of the DHP receptor gene in the soleus muscle.     

Interleukin-15 responses to aging and unloading-induced skeletal muscle atrophy

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) mRNA is constitutively expressed in skeletal muscle. Although IL-15 has proposed hypertrophic and anti-apoptotic roles in vitro, its role in skeletal muscle cells in vivo is less clear. The purpose of this study was to determine if skeletal muscle aging and unloading, two conditions known to promote muscle atrophy, would alter basal IL-15 expression in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that IL-15 mRNA expression would increase as a result of both aging and muscle unloading and that muscle would express the mRNA for a functional trimeric IL-15 receptor (IL-15R). Two models of unloading were used in this study: hindlimb suspension (HS) in rats and wing unloading in quail. The absolute muscle wet weight of plantaris and soleus muscles from aged rats was significantly less when compared with muscles from young adult rats. Although 14 days of HS resulted in reduced muscle mass of plantaris and soleus muscles from young adult animals, this effect was not observed in muscles from aged animals. A significant aging times unloading interaction was observed for IL-15 mRNA in both rat soleus and plantaris muscles. Patagialis (PAT) muscles from aged quail retained a significant 12 and 6% of stretch-induced hypertrophy after 7 and 14 days of unloading, respectively. PAT muscles from young quail retained 15% hypertrophy at 7 days of unloading but regressed to control levels following 14 days of unloading. A main effect of age was observed on IL-15 mRNA expression in PAT muscles at 14 days of overload, 7 days of unloading, and 14 days of unloading. Skeletal muscle also expressed the mRNAs for a functional IL-15R composed of IL-15R, IL-2/15R-, and -c. Based on these data, we speculate that increases in IL-15 mRNA in response to atrophic stimuli may be an attempt to counteract muscle mass loss in skeletal muscles of old animals. Additional research is warranted to determine the importance of the IL-15/IL-15R system to counter muscle wasting. atrophy; interleukins; sarcopenia; gene signaling     

The Role of GSK-3β Phosphorylation in the Regulation of Slow Myosin Expression in Soleus Muscle during Functional Unloading

Skeletal muscle myosin phenotype (i.e., the predominance in the muscle of a particular isoform or isoforms of myosin heavy chains (MyHC)) determines the properties of muscle, such as contraction speed and fatigue. The aim of this study was to identify the functional relationship between the decrease of the nitric oxide (NO) content, the GSK-3β phosphorylation (leading to the GSK-3β activation), the NFATc1 amount in the muscle nuclei, and the MyHC I(β) isoform expression in the rat soleus muscle under gravitational unloading. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: the vivarium control group; the group of animals with a 7-day hind limb suspension receiving placebo; the group of animals with a hind limb suspension receiving a NO donor (L-arginine); the group of animals with a hind limb suspension receiving a NO donor and a NO-synthase inhibitor (L-NAME); and the group of animals with a hind limb suspension receiving a GSK-3β inhibitor. We have shown that a 7-day unloading leads to a NO content decrease in the soleus muscle, and this effect is prevented by L-arginine administration. In addition, administration of L-arginine blocks the GSK-3β phosphorylation decrease, NFATc1 export from the muscle nuclei, and MyHC I(β) expression decrease caused by unloading. The L-arginine effect in each case can be blocked by the NO-synthase inhibitor. Administration of the GSK-3β inhibitor prevents the unloading-induced NFATc1 export from the muscle nuclei and a decrease of the MyHC I(β) expression. The prevention of the MyHC I(β) expression decrease and the NFATc1 export from the nucleus by the selective GSK-3β inhibition confirms the hypothesis on the NO influence on the MyHC I(β) expression and the NFATc1 export from the nucleus via the GSK-3β phosphorylation decrease. Thus, the NO level decrease in the rat soleus muscle in unloading leads to the GSK-3β activation, which in turn, promotes the NFATc1 export from the nucleus and stabilization of the fast myosin phenotype.     

The response of Dahl salt-sensitive and salt-resistant female rats to a space flight model

Vitamin D metabolism in the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat, a model of salt-induced hypertension, differs from that in the Dahl salt-resistant (R) rat. We have tested the hypothesis that differences in vitamin D metabolism would render the Dahl S rat more susceptible than the Dahl R rat to the effects of a space flight model. Dahl female rats were tail suspended (hind limb unloaded) for 28 days, while fed a low salt (3 g/kg sodium chloride) diet. Plasma 25-OHD concentrations of S rats were significantly lower than that of R rats. Plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentration was 50% lower in unloaded than in loaded S rats, but was unaffected in unloaded R rats. The left soleus muscle weight and breaking strength of the left femur (torsion test) were 50% and 25% lower in unloaded than in loaded S and R rats. The mineral content of the left femur, however, was significantly lower (by 11%) only in unloaded S rats. We conclude that female S rats are more vulnerable than female R rats to decreases in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentration and femur mineral content during hind limb unloading, but equally vulnerable to muscle atrophy and reduced breaking strength of the femur.     

PGC-1α and FOXO1 mRNA levels and fiber characteristics of the soleus and plantaris muscles in rats after hindlimb unloading

Fifteen-week-old rats were subjected to unloading induced by hindlimb suspension for 3 weeks. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and forkhead box-containing protein O1 (FOXO1) mRNA levels and fiber profiles of the soleus and plantaris muscles in rats subjected to unloading (unloaded group) were determined and compared with those of age-matched control rats (control group). The body weight and both the soleus and plantaris muscle weights were lower in the unloaded group than in the control group. The PGC-1α mRNA was downregulated in the soleus, but not in the plantaris muscle of the unloaded group. The FOXO1 mRNA was upregulated in both the soleus and plantaris muscles of the unloaded group. The oxidative enzyme activity was reduced in the soleus, but not in the plantaris muscle of the unloaded group. The percentage of type I fibers was decreased and the percentages of type IIA and IIC fibers were increased in the soleus muscle of the unloaded group, whereas there was no change in fiber type distribution in the plantaris muscle of the unloaded group. Atrophy of all types of fibers was observed in both the soleus and plantaris muscles of the unloaded group. We conclude that decreased oxidative capacity and fiber atrophy in unloaded skeletal muscles are associated with decreased PGC-1α and increased FOXO1 mRNA levels.     

Energy metabolism pathways in rat muscle under conditions of simulated microgravity

Evidence from rats flown in space suggests that there is a decrease in the ability of the soleus muscle to oxidize long chain fatty acids during space flight. The observation suggests that a shift in the pathways involved in muscle fuel utilization in the absence of load on the muscle has occurred. It is also possible that the reduction is part of a general down-sizing of metabolic capacity since energy needs of inactive muscle are necessarily less. The rodent hind limb suspension model has proved to be a useful ground based model for studying the musculo-skeletal systems changes that occur with space flight. Microarray technology permits the screening of a large number of the enzymes of the relevant pathways thereby permitting a distinction to be made between a shift fuel utilization pattern or a general decrease in metabolic activity. The soleus muscle was isolated from 5 control and 5 hindlimb suspended rats (21 days) and the Affymetrix system for assessing gene expression used to determine the impact of hindlimb unloading on fuel pathways within the muscle of each animal. RESULTS: Suspended rats failed to gain weight at the same rate as the controls (337 +/- 5 g vs 318 +/- 6 g, p < 0.05) and muscle mass from the soleus was reduced (135 +/- 3 mg vs 48 +/- 4 mg, p < 0.05). There was a consistent decrease (p < 0.05) in gene expression of proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation in the suspended group whereas glycolytic activity was increased (p < 0.05). Gene expressions of individual key regulatory enzymes reflected these changes. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II were decreased (p < 0.05) whereas expression of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase were increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Disuse atrophy is associated with a change in mRNA levels of enzymes involved in fuel metabolism indicative of a shift in substrate utilization away from fat towards glucose.     

Passive stretch inhibits central corelike lesion formation in the soleus muscles of hindlimb-suspended unloaded rats.

Hindlimb suspension unloading (HSU) is a ground-based model simulating the effects of microgravity unloading on the musculoskeletal system. In this model, gravity causes the hind foot of the rat to drop, opening the front of the ankle to 90-105 degrees plantar flexion at rest. As HSU proceeds, the normal weight-bearing angle of 30 degrees dorsiflexion is achieved progressively less, and the contraction range of soleus is abbreviated. Our laboratory reported that 12 days of HSU caused central corelike lesions (CCLs) of myofibril breakdown (Riley DA, Slocum GR, Bain JL, Sedlak FR, Sowa TE, and Mellender JW. J Appl Physiol. 69: 58-66, 1990). The present study investigated whether daily stretch of the calf muscles prevents CCL formation. The soleus muscles of HSU Sprague-Dawley male rats (approximately 287 g) were lengthened by unilateral ankle splinting at 30 degrees. Compared with the nonsplinted side, splinting for 10 or 20 min per day in awake rats significantly decreased CCLs in soleus by 88 and 91%, respectively (P < 0.01). Compared with control muscle wet weight, 20-min splinting reduced atrophy by 33%, whereas 10-min splinting ameliorated atrophy by 17% (P < 0.01). Bilateral soleus electromyograph recording revealed higher levels of contractile activity on the splinted side during splinting. To isolate the effects of stretch from isometric contractile activity, contractions were eliminated by whole animal anesthesia with isoflurane during 10-min daily splinting. The percentage of fibers with CCLs was reduced by 57%, and the average lesion size was 29% smaller in the stretched muscle (P < 0.05). Soleus muscle wet weight and fiber area were unaltered by stretch alone. Loaded contractions during splinting are necessary to prevent muscle fiber atrophy. Passive muscle stretch acts to maintain myofibril structural integrity.     

The effects of neuropeptide Y on skeletal muscle contractile properties in streptozotocin diabetic rats

Diabetes induces changes in the structural, biochemical, electrical, and contractile properties of skeletal muscles. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) administered locally can induce angiogenesis in a rat ischemic limb model and restore the contractile function of the ischemic muscle. The effects of NPY on the contractile characteristics of limb skeletal muscles were examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were treated with sham pellets (control groups) or NPY-containing pellets (1 mg of NPY/pellet, 14 days releasing time) administered locally to the rat hind limb 2 months after induction of diabetes. Contractile properties and fatigability of the slow-twitch soleus and fast-twitch gastrocnemius medials muscle were compared in control (sham), control NPY, diabetic (sham), and diabetic NPY groups. In order to induce fatigue trains of repetitive tetanic stimulation were used (600 ms/1 s simulation-rest cycle per train, 112 trains at an 85-Hz fusion frequency). Two months of untreated diabetes significantly prolonged soleus contraction and slowed its relaxation, but had minimal effects on soleus tension. NPY ameliorated the diabetic effects on soleus speed-related contractile properties, restoring its contraction and relaxation times. Diabetes significantly reduced gastrocnemius medials tetanic tension, leaving its contractile characteristics mostly unaffected. NPY partially restored gastrocnemius tetanic tension production capacity. Diabetes significantly increased fatigability of both muscles, which was partially restored by NPY, as evidenced by restored endurance of soleus muscle. The results suggest that NPY administered locally tends to normalize muscle performance and improve fatigue resistance of skeletal muscles in streptozotocin diabetes. Further examination is needed to establish the mechanisms of local NPY action on muscle contractile properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.     

Skeletal muscle response to spaceflight, whole body suspension, and recovery in rats

Comparisons of soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-400 g) after 7 days of weightlessness, 7 and 14 days of whole body suspension (WBS), and 7 days of recovery from WBS and from vivarium controls were made. Muscle mass loss of approximately 30% was observed in soleus after 7 and 14 days of WBS. Measurement of slow- and fast-twitch fibers showed significant alterations. Reductions in cross-sectional areas and increases in fiber densities in soleus after spaceflight and WBS were related to previous findings of muscle atrophy during unloading. Capillary density also showed a marked increase with unloading. Seven days of weightlessness were sufficient to effect a 20 and 15% loss in absolute muscle mass in soleus and EDL, respectively. However, the antigravity soleus was more responsive in terms of cross-sectional area reductions. After 7 days of recovery from WBS, with normal ambulatory loading, the parameters studied showed a reversal to control levels. Muscle plasticity, in terms of fiber and capillary responses, indicated differences in responses in the two types of muscles and further amplified that antigravity posture muscles are highly susceptible to unloading. Studies of recovery from spaceflight for both muscle metabolism and microvascular modifications are further justified.