Characteristics of lengthening contractions associated with injury to skeletal muscle fibers

Lengthening (eccentric) contractions result in injury to skeletal muscle fibers. Two hypotheses were tested through lengthening contractions of an in situ muscle preparation: the extent of injury increases with increases in the duration; and the extent of injury increases with increases in the peak force. Mice were anesthetized, and distal tendons of the extensor digitorum longus muscles were attached to a servomotor. Muscles were stimulated at 150 Hz and lengthened 20% of fiber length (Lf). Lengthening contractions were performed at 0.2, 0.5, or 1.0 Lf/s with durations of 0.5-15 min. Peak force during lengthening contractions at 1.0 Lf/s was decreased by inducing fatigue with isometric contractions, stimulating at 70-100 Hz, or 3) lengthening 10% of Lf. Injury was assessed 3 days after lengthening contractions by histological appearance and maximum force (Po) development. Injury increased with duration up to 5 min. After 5 min, fatigue appeared to prevent further injury. Results for 0.2 and 0.5 Lf/s were similar to those for 1.0 Lf/s but with less injury. A high correlation was observed between histological appearance of injury and the decrease in Po. The extent of injury was related to the peak force developed during the lengthening contractions.