Effects of long-duration bed rest on structural compartments of m. soleus in man

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histomorphometry and electron microscopy of muscle demonstrate that long-term exposure to actual or simulated weightlessness (including head down bed rest) leads to decreased volume of antigravity muscles in mammals. In muscles interbundle space is occupied by the connective tissue. Rat studies show that hindlimb unloading induces muscle fiber atrophy along with increase in muscle non-fiber connective tissue compartment. Beside that, usually 20% of the muscle fiber volume is comprised by non-contractile (non-myofibrillar) compartment. The aim of the present study was to compare changes in muscle volume, and in muscle fiber size with alterations in myofibrillar apparatus, and in connective tissue compartment in human m. soleus under conditions of 120 day long head down bed rest (HDBR).     

The contractile apparatus of striated muscle in the course of atrophy and regeneration

Summary The ultrastructure of the contractile apparatus of the rat soleus muscle during the course of denervation atrophy was investigated. It was found that the ratio of thin to thick filaments increased in myofibrils of atrophying muscle fibers. Elevation of the ratio was observed as early as the second day after denervation, and became more pronounced with the progress of atrophy. Parallel measurements of the amounts of actin and myosin in the myofibrils and in the muscle protein extracts revealed a lower proportion of myosin heavy chains to actin in the fractions from denervated muscles, compared with the control values. Both the electron-microscopic observations and the biochemical evaluation of the actin content of the muscle, suggests that the elevated ratio of thin to thick filaments seen in the course of the muscle atrophy appears as the result of an earlier and more intensive disappearance of thick filaments. Thin filaments disappeared more slowly, in parallel to the decrease in muscle weight.On the basis of the results presented a mechanism of progress of simple atrophy of muscle in suggested.     

Influence of repetitive Gz acceleration on structural and metabolic profile of m. vastus lateralis in monkeys exposed to 30 day bedrest

It was shown that changes in structural and metabolic indices of extensor muscles of the lower extremities were usually found in man after exposure to space flight or to bed rest. Similar changes were also observed in monkeys, space-flown on "Kosmos" biosatellites. Response to weightlessness and to restraint was found to be different in m. soleus and in m. vastus lateralis. Therefore, it is important to study structural and metabolic changes of m. vastus lateralis fibers under conditions of gravitational unloading in monkeys, who have motor apparatus similar to that of man, and are much more fruitful object of research. It is assumed that artificial gravity can serve as a countermeasure, aimed at diminishing effects of gravitational unloading. We have studied the effect of repeated gravity overloading, created by means of a centrifuge, on structural and metabolic indices of monkey m. vastus lateralis at the background of 30 day head down tilt bed rest (BR).     

Functional morphology of the male caudal appendages of the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Odonata are usually regarded as one of the most ancient extant lineages of winged insects. Their copulatory apparatus and mating behavior are unique among insects. Male damselflies use their caudal appendages to clasp the female's prothorax during both copulation and egg-laying and have a secondary copulatory apparatus for sperm transfer. Knowledge of the functional morphology of the male caudal appendages is the basis for understanding the evolution of these structures in Odonata and respective organs in other insects. However, it is still not exactly known how the zygopteran claspers work. In this study, we applied micro-computed tomography and a variety of microscopy techniques to examine the morphology, surface microstructure, cuticle material composition and muscle topography of the male caudal appendages of Ischnura elegans. The results indicate that the closing of the paraproctal claspers is mainly passive. This indirect closing mechanism is very likely supported by high proportions of the elastic protein resilin present in the cuticle of the paraproctal bases. In addition, the prothoracic morphology of the female plays an important role in the indirect closing of the male claspers. Our data indicate that both structures – the male claspers and the female prothoracic hump – function together like a snap-fastener.     

Drinking behavior and jaw muscle (EMG) activity in the pigeon (Columba livia)

The relation between jaw movements and jaw muscle activity was examined during two different types of drinking in pigeons: tip and rictus drinking. The amplitude and duration of jaw opening is greater for rictus than for tip drinking, but both types involve individual cycles of jaw-opening and closing movements, organized into bouts. Cycle duration increases gradually over the initial portion of the bout and is relatively constant thereafter.Each drinking cycle is composed of an initial rapid jaw-opening component, a sustained opening phase of variable duration and a closing movement. The initial and final phases are related, respectively, to activity in the upper beak levator (protractor) and the jaw closer (adductor, pterygoid) muscles. The amplitude and duration of the sustained phase are correlated with the magnitude and duration of activity in the lower jaw opener (depressor). The kinematic and electromyographic organization of jaw movements during drinking is discussed in relation to the morphology of the jaw apparatus and the functional requirements of the behavior.Abbreviations AMEM adductor mandibulae externus muscle - DM depressor mandibulae muscle - EMG electromyographic - PQP protractor quadrati et pterygoidei muscle - PTP pseudotemporalis profundus muscle - PVL/PVM pterygoideus ventralis muscle, pars lateralis and medialis     

Effects of 20 days bed rest on muscle morphology

Using ultrasound, muscle thickness and fascicle angles from aponeurosis were evaluated before, during and after 20 days bed rest (BR). Subjects were healthy adults (4 women and 4 men). Measurements were carried out before and after BR and after 10 weeks of recovery, respectively. Muscle measurements were taken at nine sites in trunk and upper and lower extremities, respectively. For the m. triceps brachii, m. vastus lateralis, and m. gastrocnemius medialis, fascicle angles from the aponeurosis as well as muscle thickness were measured. There was a high statistical significant correlation between muscle thickness and cross-sectional area for quadriceps muscles, suggesting applicability of muscle thickness for evaluation of muscle size. Muscle thickness decreased in muscles of the lower extremity by 2.1-4.4 % after bed rest. In triceps brachii and vastus lateralis muscles, there were no prominent changes in muscle thickness and fascicle angles. It was concluded that muscle morphology deteriorates with changes in muscle architecture by bed rest but the response is small and muscle-specific. It was also suggested that bed rest affects not only muscle mass but muscle tone as well.     

Relation between neural structures possessing acetylcholinesterase activity and the hemomicrocirculatory bed of the fascia of the rat

By means of Karnovsky--Roots method the nervous apparatus of the hemomicrocirculatory bed has been revealed in the subcutaneous muscle fascia possessing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Innervational peculiarities in some microvascular branches, bushy pattern of AChE-positive nervous structures have been stated, as well as their uneven distribution along the vessels.     

MORPHOLOGY OF THE TONGUE APPARATUS OF C1R1DOPS ANNA (DREPANIDIDAE)

Ciridops possesses a tubular tongue with a fringed tip and lateral sides. Closure of the tube is by overlap of the lateral fringes.
The tongue skeleton possesses an elongated basihyale, parallel paraglossalia with broad, rounded posterior processes and a slight concavity on the dorsolateral surface of the ceratobranchiale.
All the tongue muscles could be described, although some had been damaged. The M. hypoglossus anterior is absent. The M. ceratoglossus and the M. hypoglossus obliquus are large, the latter muscle inserts completely on the basihyale. A newly discovered muscle, the M. thyreohyoideus superior, is described.
The glottal muscles are described, and their actions in opening and closing the glottis are outlined.
Comparison of Ciridops (Drepanidinae) and Loxops (Psittirostrinae) suggests that the Drepanididae are monophyletic. The closest resemblance in morphology of the tongue apparatus is with the cardueline finches, not with the "coerebids".     

Changes in the respiratory muscles and their microcirculatory bed during exposure of the body to chronic hypoxia and its aftereffects

Changes of the respiratory muscles have been studied under the effect of a rarefied atmosphere when the pressure is 560 mm Hg (2,500 m), 405 mm Hg (5,000 m), 286 mm Hg (7,500 m) and during the period of their aftereffect. The experimental group consists of 260 and the control group--of 130 white rats. Adaptation of the respiratory muscles to the effect of the rarefied atmosphere at the pressure of 560 mm Hg takes place mainly at the expense of certain functional changes of the microcirculatory bed and hypertrophy of the muscle fibers. The period of aftereffect is characterized with normalization of these phenomena. Adaptation of the respiratory muscles at the pressure of 405 mm Hg takes place at the expense of hypertrophy of the muscle fibers, small destructive changes and a complex rearrangement of the microcirulatory bed. During the period of aftereffect, by the 40th day no destructive changes are noted in the muscle tissue. The capillary bed undergoes some rearrangements by the 42d -56th day with increasing quantitative indices per area unit. This results in improvement of the muscles nutrition. In the respiratory muscles at the pressure 286 mm Hg, atrophic changes in the muscle fibers take place at certain stages of the experiment. Essential destructive changes are observed, rearrangement of the microcirculatory bed with decreasing convolution of the longitudinal capillaries and a decreasing number of the transversal capillaries are noted by the end of the experiment. During the period of aftereffect, by the 56th day, the external and internal intercostal muscles completely restore their structure, and in the diaphragm the destructive changes remain. By the same time, the microcirculatory bed becomes more rare at the expense of decreasing capillarization of the muscle fibers and a decreasing number of the transversal capillaries.     

Comparative morphology of the spiracles of the Papilionidae,Sphingidae, and Saturniidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

The morphology, ultrastructure, and innervation of the spiracles of the instars and adults of representatives of three lepidopteran families were examined: Ornithoptera priamus poseidon and Pachliopta aristolochiae (Papilionidae), Attacus atlas (Saturniidae), and Acherontia atropos (Sphingidae).Peritreme and atrium show stage- and family-specific structures for protecting the internal valve apparatus. The gross morphology of the cuticular valve mechanism is uniform within the three families, consisting of a rigid bow and a movable bar with a lever. In adult Papilionidae, all cuticular parts (bow, bar and lever) of the valve are innervated by multipolar dendrites. Internal or external cuticular chemo- or hygroreceptors, which could participate in the regulation of respiration, could not be detected in any stage. The closing muscle inserts between the tip of the lever and the base of the bar, and is innervated only by motor neurons. The elasticity of the cuticular system and an opener are the antagonists to the closing muscle. The spiracular opener of the adult Papilionidae and of all instars of the moths is an elastic ligament. The opener of the larval and pupal spiracles of the Papilionidae, however, is a single thickened muscle fiber surrounded by an elastic sheath of connective tissue. As it contains motor and multipolar sensory neurons, we assume that it may function as a stretch receptor for controlling the spiracular opening state.     

Reconstruction of the muscle system in Antygomonas sp. (Kinorhyncha,Cyclorhagida) by means of phalloidin labeling and cLSM

In the present investigation the entire muscle system of the cyclorhagid kinorhynch Antygomonas sp. was three-dimensionally reconstructed from whole mounts by means of FITC-phalloidin labeling and confocal scanning microscopy. With this technique, which proved to be especially useful for microscopically small species, we wanted to reinvestigate and supplement the findings obtained by histological and electron microscopical methods. The organization of the major muscle systems can be summarized as follows: 1) All muscle fibers, apart from the intestinal ones, the spine, and the mouth cone muscles, show a cross-striated pattern; 2) Dorsal longitudinal muscle fibers as well as segmentally arranged dorsoventral fibers occur from segment III to XIII; 3) Diagonal muscle fibers are located laterally in segments III to X; 4) Two rings of circular fibers are present in segment II, forming the closing apparatus in Cyclorhagida. Further circular muscles are present in segment I, forming the mouth cone and the eversible introvert, and in the pharyngeal bulb.     

Comparison of fast and slow synaptic terminals in lobster muscle

Summary Synaptic terminals of fast (FCE) and slow (SCE) excitatory neurons were physiologically identified on separate fibres of one muscle, the closer muscle in lobster claws. The innervation by these identified fibers was demonstrated over long distances (7–21 m) by examining serial thin sections at periodic intervals. The ultrastructure of each type of innervation was consistent both qualitatively and quantitatively in two separate samples. The FCE innervation is relatively simple in having consistently small-diameter terminals each forming a single long synapse, with few synaptic vesicles, and little if any postsynaptic apparatus. The SCE innervation is more complex in having larger-diameter but more variable terminals forming several short synapses, with many synaptic vesicles and an extensive postsynaptic apparatus. These differences in the size of the synapses and the number of synaptic vesicles parallel differences in transmitter release and fatigue sensitivity characteristic of the two types of innervation. The degree of elaboration of the postsynaptic apparatus may reflect differences in the amount of transmitter taken up after release. Our data reveal for the first time in a single muscle differences between FCE and SCE innervation previously reported in different muscles and in different species.Supported by grants from NIH (NINCDS) to A.G. Humes and the late Fred Lang and from NSERC and Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. of Canada to C.K. GovindWe thank Lena Hill for her technical expertise and critical evaluation of the study, and Dr. A.G. Humes for providing research facilities     

Mechanistic contributions of residues in the M1 transmembrane domain of the nicotinic receptor to channel gating

The nicotinic receptor (AChR) is a pentamer of homologous subunits with an alpha(2)betaepsilondelta composition in adult muscle. Each subunit contains four transmembrane domains (M1-M4). Position 15' of the M1 domain is phenylalanine in alpha subunits while it is isoleucine in non-alpha subunits. Given this peculiar conservation pattern, we studied its contribution to muscle AChR activation by combining mutagenesis with single-channel kinetic analysis. AChRs containing the mutant alpha subunit (alphaF15'I) as well as those containing the reverse mutations in the non-alpha subunits (betaI15'F, deltaI15'F, and epsilonI15'F) show prolonged lifetimes of the diliganded open channel resulting from a slower closing rate with respect to wild-type AChRs. The kinetic changes are not equivalent among subunits, the beta subunit, being the one that produces the most significant stabilization of the open state. Kinetic analysis of betaI15'F of AChR channels activated by the low-efficacious agonist choline revealed a 10-fold decrease in the closing rate, a 2.5-fold increase in the opening rate, a 28-fold increase in the gating equilibrium constant in the diliganded receptor, and a significant increase opening in the absence of agonist. Mutations at betaI15' showed that the structural bases of its contribution to gating is complex. Rate-equilibrium linear free-energy relationships suggest an approximately 70% closed-state-like environment for the beta15' position at the transition state of gating. The overall results identify position 15' as a subunit-selective determinant of channel gating and add new experimental evidence that gives support to the involvement of the M1 domain in the operation of the channel gating apparatus.     

The ultrastructure and function of human skeletomuscular tissue]

The electron microscopic study of the intact somatic muscle of man has established that skeletal muscular fibres have a well developed lysosome apparatus. This apparatus is localized near nuclei under the sarcolemma and is represented by 3 types of lysosomes: primary lysosomes, secondary lysosomes (phage lysosomes, digestive vacuoles) and residual bodies. These three morphological types of lysosomes reflect different stages of the functional activity of these organelles. The role of the lysosome apparatus in the process of intracellular digestion and self-renewal is shown. The presence of a peculiar "digestive center" of the muscle fibre has been established which is located in the perinuclear zone.     

Relations between the ectosomatic and the entosomatic organs

A.N. Severtsov, when introduced the concepts of ecto- and entosomatic organs, illustrated them by three examples of adaptations, namely by the blindness of some subterranean vertebrates, by the "suckers" on the geckos' fingers and toes, and by the flattened body shape of skates and rays. Morphology of the pterygoideus muscle in some song-birds, which is one of the most complicated jaw muscles, is considered here in the framework of those concepts. This muscle displays mosaic variation among bird taxa while the arrangement of skeletal and ligamentous components is rather monotonous. The ventromedial portion of the muscle predominates in the Vietnamese babblers (Garrulax leucolophus, Alcippe peracensis, and Yuhina zantholeuca; fam. Timaliidae), in the leafbird Aegithina lafresnayei (fam. Chloropsidae), and in the drongo Dicrurus aeneus (fam. Dicruridae). One part of this portion, m. retractor palatini, is relatively big in the starling, Gracula religiosa (fam. Sturnidae), and in the dipper, Cinclus cinclus (fam. Trogloditidae). Both muscular bulks (entosomatic organs after Severtsov) affect clearly and directly properties of the bill (ectosomatic organ) without any visible differences in its construction. They provide the upper jaw with additional force (directed downward while grasping a prey) and so fasten it against the passive deviation during tearing or pulling off the food item (the mandible does not accept those forces). These two versions of the muscle morphology are parallel in the functional sense and are independent in respect to their evolutionary origin. The ventromedial portion, judging by its attachment to the mandible close to the center of the quadrato-mandibular joint, is neutral in respect to its adduction, and the m. retractor palatini is not connected to it. Thus, muscular portions under consideration, in spite of their position deep in the feeding apparatus, behave as ectosomatic organs. Deviations in their morphology are not the answer to any antecedent modification of the bill shape or of arrangement of the skeleto-ligamentous apparatus components. Instead, they appear to be primary results due to immediate action of the natural selection to provide a direct functional effects.     

Development of the muscle system and contractile activity in the mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytilus trossulus</Emphasis> (Mollusca,Bivalvia)

The development of contractile apparatus was subjected to comparative analysis during ontogenesis of the mussel Mytilus trossulus. Indirect immunofluorescence with the polyclonal antibody against mussel twitchin, a protein of thick filaments, and fluorescent phalloidin as a marker of filamentous cell actin were used to monitor changes in the developing muscle system at different larval stages. The first definitive muscle structures were found at the late trochophore stage (36 h after fertilization) and starting from the midveliger stage (96h), striated muscles, which are never present in adult mussels, were distinctly seen. The striated muscle periodicity was 1.25 μm in both mussel larvae and adult scallop. The contractile activities of veliger and adult muscles were measured using an electronic signal-processing video workstation. This work is the first complex study of morphological, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of the muscle system in the larvae and adult molluscs.     

Features of the innervation of fascia and their microcirculatory bed in the rat

By means of silver impregnation, methylene blue staining and using glyoxylic acid, the neural apparatus of the muscle fasciae in the shoulder girdle and back and their microcirculatory bed have been revealed in laboratory white rats. An uneven concentration of neuronal terminals makes the base of neurotissue interactions of the muscle fasciae of the shoulder girdle and the back of the rats. Only a small part of microvessels possesses neural elements. The fasciae and their microvessels are innervated both by sensitive and sympathetic neural fibers and their endings; they differ from each other morphologically and histochemically. The rat fasciae are useful objects for vital observations for behaviour both of the vascular nerves and the avascular areas.     

Myosin Heavy Chain Profiles in Regenerated Fast and Slow Muscles Innervated by the Same Motor Nerve Become Nearly Identical

Plasticity of mature muscles exposed to different activation patterns is limited, probably due to restricted adaptive range of their muscle fibres. In this study, we tested whether satellite cells derived from slow muscles can give rise to a normal fast muscle, if transplanted to the fast muscle bed. Marcaine-treated rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were transplanted to the EDL muscle bed and innervated by the EDL nerve. Six months later expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms was analysed by areal densities of fibres, binding specific monoclonal antibodies, and by SDS gel electrophoresis. Both regenerated muscles closely resembled each other. Their myosin heavy chain profiles were similar to those in fast muscles although they were not identical to that in the control EDL muscle. Since not even regenerated EDL was able to reach the myosin heavy chain isoform profile of mature EDL muscle, our experimental model did not permit studying the adaptive capacity of satellite cells in different muscles in its whole extent. However, the results favour the multipotential myoblast stem cell population in rat muscles and underline the importance of the extrinsic regulation of muscle phenotype.     

Studies on the Mitotic Apparatus of the Sea Urchin by Means of Antigen-Antibody Reactions in Agar

The primary purpose of the experiments reported in this paper was to gain information on the molecular origin of the mitotic apparatus. Antisera were prepared against unfertilized sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) egg antigens and mitotic apparatus antigens. These were permitted to react with various antigen solutions in Ouchterlony agar gel diffusion plates, and the resultant precipitation patterns analysed. The results revealed that the mitotic apparatus contains probably no more than two antigens (precursor-1 component and precursor-2 component) and that these are shared by the unfertilized egg. Absorption and fractionation techniques indicated that in the unfertilized egg the precursor-1 component is present both as a "soluble" protein and as an insoluble form tenaciously associated with intracellular structural elements. A survey of dividing and non-dividing tissues for the precursor-1 component revealed that it was restricted to tissues in which mitotic activity could be detected microscopically. No immunochemical relationship could be detected between the mitotic apparatus and proteins extracted, by various methods, from the lantern muscle.     

Ion effects on gating of the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel correlate with occupancy of the pore.

We studied the effects of permeant ions on the gating of the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel from rat skeletal muscle. Rb+ blockade of inward K+ current caused an increase in the open probability as though Rb+ occupancy of the pore interferes with channel closing. In support of this hypothesis, we directly measured the occupancy of the pore by the impermeant ion Cs+ and found that it strongly correlates with its effect on gating. This is consistent with the "foot-in-the-door" model of gating, which states that channels cannot close with an ion in the pore. However, because Rb+ and Cs+ not only slow the closing rate (as predicted by the model), but also speed the opening rate, our results are more consistent with a modified version of the model in which the channel can indeed close while occupied, but the occupancy destabilizes the closed state. Increasing the occupancy of the pore by the addition of other permeant (K+ and Tl+) and impermeant (tetraethylammonium) ions did not affect the open probability. To account for this disparity, we used a two-site permeation model in which only one of the sites influenced gating. Occupancy of this "gating site" interferes with channel closing and hastens opening. Ions that directly or indirectly increase the occupancy of this site will increase the open probability.