Morphology and histochemistry of the myotendineal junction of the rat calf muscles. Histochemical, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic study. |
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Authors: | M Kvist L Jozsa P Kannus J Isola T Vieno M J?rvinen M Lehto |
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Institution: | Sports Medical Research Unit, Paavo Nurmi Center, University of Turku, Finland. |
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Abstract: | The macromolecular composition and morphometry of the myotendineal junction (MTJ) of slow-twitch (type 1) and fast-twitch (type 2) muscle fibers were studied in gastrocnemius-soleus-Achilles unit of the rat. Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, type III collagen, fibronectin and laminin could be detected at the myotendineal junction. Due to the membrane folding finger-like processes were seen at the MTJ. The processes of type 1 fibers were greater in size. However, due to the subdivisions the processes of type 2 muscle fibers had a significantly greater surface length per muscle cell diameter than type 1 fibers. The myotendineal endings of both fiber types had a characteristic basal lamina, which was about three times thicker than in the longitudinal site of the same muscle cells. The basal lamina of type 1 fibers at the MTJ was significantly thicker than that of type 2 fibers. |
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