| Abstract: | The distribution of glycogen, lipids and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) in twitch and tonus fibers of several amphibians and birds is described, and the correlation of histochemical properties with fiber structure and function is discussed. Twitch and tonus fibers were identified histologically by the presence of Fibrillenstruktur and Felderstruktur respectively. The rectus abdominis, sartorius and semitendinosus were studied in Rana pipiens, Xenopus laevis and Necturus maculosus; the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, anterior latissimus dorsi and posterior latissimus dorsi were investigated in Gallus gallus and Passer domesticus. Periodic acid-Schiff was used to stain for glycogen, Sudan Black B for lipids and Nitro BT for localization of SDH activity. In amphibian muscles, fibers with Fibrillenstruktur and Felderstruktur constitute the rectus abdominis. Except in one case, only Fibrillenstruktur fibers were seen in the sartorius and semitendinosus. In the avian muscles, fibers with Fibrillenstruktur comprise the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor and posterior latissimus dorsi, while fibers with Felderstruktur constitute the anterior latissimus dorsi. These types of muscle fibers showed no consistent pattern in the distribution of glycogen, lipids and SDH. The evidence precludes the use of such data alone for distinguishing twitch (Fibrillenstruktur) and tonus (Felderstruktur) fibers. |
