Interaction between muscle cell and external mechanical field: a model study

We have suggested a mathematical model of the muscle cell membrane on the basis of the thin elastic rods theory which takes external mechanic effects into account. We have also performed a quantitative analysis of deformation of rodent shin muscles when exposed to hindlimb suspension. Maximal deformation is shown to be typical for soleus muscle fibers and their magnitude is connected with stiffness of the cortical cytoskeleton.