Muscle fibres are multinuclear cells, and the cytoplasmic territory where a single myonucleus controls transcriptional activity is called the myonuclear domain (MND). MND size shows flexibility during muscle hypertrophy. The MND ceiling hypothesis states that hypertrophy results in the expansion of MND size to an upper limit or MND ceiling, beyond which additional myonuclei via activation of satellite cells are required to support further growth. However, the debate about the MND ceiling hypothesis is far from settled, and various studies show conflicting results about the existence or otherwise of MND ceiling in hypertrophy. The aim of this review is to summarise the literature about the MND ceiling in various settings of hypertrophy and discuss the possible factors contributing to a discrepancy in the literature. We conclude by describing the physiological and clinical significance of the MND ceiling limit in the muscle adaptation process in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Humans ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/physiology* ; Hypertrophy/pathology* ; Muscle, Skeletal

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between contractile characteristics and fiber type conversion in hind-limb unloading mice soleus.

METHODSAfter 28-day hind-limb unloading and muscle atrophy, we used the method of isolated muscle perfusion with different stimulated protocols to determine the changes in contractile characteristics including the isometric twitch force and tetanus force and fatigue index of slow twitch muscle in mice. The muscle myofibrillar composition and fiber type conversion were detected by immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe isometric twitch force and the tetanus force and fatigue index were decreased progressively in 28-day unloaded mice soleus, with the increase in fast twitch fiber subtype and the decrease in slow twitch fiber subtype.

CONCLUSIONThe alteration of contractile characteristics is relevant to the slow-to-fast fiber conversion in mice soleus after 28-day hind-limb unloading.

Animals ; Hindlimb Suspension ; physiology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Muscle Contraction ; physiology ; Muscle Fatigue ; physiology ; Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch ; physiology ; Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch ; physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; pathology ; physiology ; Muscular Atrophy

The shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis in skeletal muscles is important for maintaining body temperature in a cold environment. In addition to nervous-humoral regulation, adipose tissue was demonstrated to directly respond to cold in a cell-autonomous manner to produce heat. However, whether skeletal muscle can directly respond to low temperature in an autoregulatory manner is unknown. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPM8 and TRPA1 are two important cold sensors. In the current study, we found TRPM8 was expressed in mouse skeletal muscle tissue and C2C12 myotubes by RT-PCR. After exposure to 33 °C for 6 h, the gene expression pattern of C2C12 myotubes was significantly changed which was evidenced by RNA-sequencing. KEGG-Pathway enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes showed that low temperature changed several important signaling pathways, such as IL-17, TNFα, MAPK, FoxO, Hedgehog, Hippo, Toll-like receptor, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that IL-6 gene was a key gene which was directly affected by low temperature in skeletal muscle cells. In addition, both mRNA and protein levels of IL-6 were increased by 33 °C exposure in C2C12 myotubes. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that skeletal muscle cells could directly respond to low temperature, characterized by upregulated expression of IL-6 in skeletal muscle cells.
Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Mice ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism* ; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology* ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo study the degeneration and regeneration of skeletal muscle after denervation.

METHODSDenervation was carried out in gastrocnemius muscles in 30 adult BALB/C mice by cutting the sciatic nerve. The gastrocnemius muscles were removed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks after denervation, respectively. Specimens were processed for histological study and immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTSMuscle fiber atrophy followed by degerneration and regeneration was observed in the early period of denervation. Fusion of the regenerated muscle cells with each other followed by degeneration of the cells and growth of fibro-connective tissue were observed in the later stage. The expression of myoglobin and actin decreased in 1-4 weeks after denervation. The postive expression of the proteins was observed in some 8 weeks' cells and in many degenerated 12-14 weeks' muscle cells.

CONCLUSIONDegeneration and regeneration may coexisted in the denervated muscles. The regenerated muscle cells can't fully develop due to the deficit of nerve regulation and degenerate again. The regenerated muscle cells will melt each other and can't develop to mature muscle fiber in the later stage.

Animals ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Muscle Denervation ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal ; pathology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; innervation ; physiology ; Muscular Atrophy ; physiopathology ; Nerve Regeneration ; physiology ; Sciatic Nerve ; physiology ; surgery

The elevated plasma level of thyroxin and/or triiodothyronine in hyperthyroidism not only induces a transition from the innervated slow-twitch muscle fibers to fast-twitch fibers, but also changes the contractile function in transition muscle fibers. So the muscle weakness of thyrotoxic myopathy would relate to alteration in fatigability of tetanic contraction in muscles, especially in slow-twitch fibers. The aim of the present study was to observe the extent of fatigue of soleus in 4-week hyperthyroid rats and elucidate its underlying mechanism. The isolated soleus muscle strips were perfused in Krebs-Henseleit solution with or without an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). The contractile function of soleus was observed in twitch and intermittent tetanic contraction. The body weight in 4-week hyperthyroid rats decreased as compared with that in the control group [(292±13) g vs (354±10) g], but there was no difference between hyperthyroid and control groups in the wet weight of soleus [(107.3±8.6) mg vs (115.1±6.9) mg]. The time to peak tension (TPT) and time from peak tension to 75% relaxation (TR(75)) in twitch contraction were shortened in the soleus of hyperthyroid rats, and the TR(75) of tetanic contraction was also shortened as compared with that in the control group [(102.8±4.1) ms vs (178.8±15.8) ms]. The optimal stimulation frequency at which a maximal tension of tetanic contraction happened was shifted from 100 Hz in the control group to 140 Hz in hyperthyroid group. The soleus of hyperthyroid rat was easier to fatigue than that of the control rat during intermittent tetanic contraction. The SERCA activity also increased in soleus of hyperthyroid rat. The TR(75) in tetanic contraction was prolonged and showed an increased fatigue resistance in the soleus of control and hyperthyroid groups treated with 1.0 μmol/L CPA. The fatigue resistance of tetanic contraction in the soleus of hyperthyroid rat increased further with 5.0 μmol/L CPA treatment, but the resting tension kept rising. The 10 μmol/L CPA reduced the fatigue resistance of tetanic contraction in the soleus of hyperthyroid rat. The above results demonstrate that the SERCA activity in soleus can also influence the relaxation duration of twitch contraction like that in the myocardium. The SERCA activity in slow-twitch fibers is possibly involved in the regulation of fatigue resistance of intermittent tetanic contraction.
Animals ; Fatigue ; Glucose ; Hyperthyroidism ; enzymology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Muscle Contraction ; Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch ; enzymology ; physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; enzymology ; physiology ; Rats ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; metabolism ; Tromethamine

To investigate the difference between the functions of oxygen uptake in skeletal muscle and living habits of plateau zokor (Myospalax rufescens baileyi) and plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniac), the microvessel densities (MVD) of skeletal muscle of plateau zokor, plateau pika and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat were measured by immunohistochemical staining; the numerical density on area (N(A)) of mitochondria, and surface density (S(V), external surface area density of mitochondria per unit volume of skeletal muscle fiber) were obtained by stereo microscope technique; mRNA levels of myoglobin (Mb) in skeletal muscle were determined by real-time PCR, and the contents of Mb protein in skeletal muscle were determined by spectro-photometer. The results showed that MVD, N(A) and S(V) of mitochondria in skeletal muscle of plateau pika were significantly lower than those of plateau zokor and SD rat (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of Mb gene in skeletal muscle of plateau zokor and plateau pika were notably higher than that of SD rat (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the contents of Mb among these three species, and plateau zokor and SD rat presented the highest and the lowest value, respectively (P<0.05). The results suggest that even though plateau zokor inhabits in the hypoxia environment, most of its skeletal muscle fiber are red muscle fiber. While most of skeletal muscle fibers of plateau pika are white muscle fibers. This kind of white muscle has low MVD, N(A) and S(V) of mitochondria and less content of Mb compared with the red one, suggesting it obtains most energy from aerobic oxidation. The above-mentioned differences in skeletal muscles may be related to not only the different species, but also the different living habits of these two high altitude species.
Animals ; Hypoxia ; Lagomorpha ; physiology ; Microvessels ; physiology ; Mitochondria, Muscle ; physiology ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal ; physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; blood supply ; physiology ; Myoglobin ; metabolism ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rodentia ; physiology

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of unilateral sciatic nerve injury on unaffected hindlimb muscles of rats. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: control (C) group (n=10) that had no procedures, sham (S) group (n=10) that underwent sham left sciatic nerve transection, and sciatic nerve transection (SNT) group (n=9) that underwent left sciatic nerve transection. At 15 days rats were anesthetized, and the soleus, plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles were dissected. RESULTS: Muscle weight of the unaffected plantaris muscle in the SNT group was significantly lower than in the other two groups. Type II fiber cross-sectional areas of the unaffected plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles in the SNT group were significantly smaller than in the other two groups. The decrease of muscle weights and Type I, II fiber cross-sectional areas of the unaffected three muscles in the SNT group were significantly less than that of the affected three muscles. CONCLUSION: Hindlimb muscle atrophy occurs in the unaffected side after unilateral sciatic nerve injury, with changes in the plantaris and gastrocnemius muscle being more apparent than changes in the soleus muscle. These results have implications for nursing care, in the need to assess degree of muscle atrophy in unaffected muscles as well as affected muscles.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Eating ; Hindlimb ; Male ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/*physiology ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscular Atrophy/*etiology/physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sciatic Nerve/*injuries/physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and related factors of abnormal pelvic floor muscle strength and provide theoretical evidence for the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

METHODSA total of 1008 migrant women in hospitals of Guangzhou and Foshan were screened for pelvic floor strength at 42 days postpartum from Oct, 2013 to July, 2014. EMG biofeedback equipment was employed to assess the strength of type I and II muscle fiber and a questionnaire was designed to record its related factors.

RESULTSThe incidence of abnormal type I and II muscle fiber strength was 49.21% and 49.60%, respectively. No statistical significance was observed in the abnormal rates among women with different ages or occupations. Compared with women who chose vaginal delivery, women with cesarean section had significantly reduced abnormal rates. A negative correlation was found between parity and type I and II muscle fiber strength.

CONCLUSIONThe delivery mode and parity are factors affecting pelvic floor muscle strength among migrant women in the Pearl River Delta, suggesting the necessity of health education and promotion of family planning policy.

Cesarean Section ; Delivery, Obstetric ; Female ; Humans ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal ; physiology ; Muscle Strength ; Parity ; Pelvic Floor ; physiology ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Transients and Migrants

BACKGROUNDSingle fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is a sensitive technique for detecting abnormalities in neuromuscular transmission and is mainly used in the diagnosis of neuromuscular junction disorders, such as myasthenia gravis. While the process of denervation-reinnervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can also result in immature collateral nerve terminals and instability of neuromuscular transmission, the purpose of this study was to investigate the changes and clinical values of SFEMG in patients with ALS.

METHODSVolitional SFEMG was performed on the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) of 78 patients with ALS (men 52, women 26) who had been previously diagnosed by history, clinical features, and neurophysiological studies. The mean jitter, the percentage of jitter >55 micros, the impulse blocking percentage, and fiber density (FD) were determined. These results were compared to normal controls. In addition, the SFEMG indices were analyzed for correlations with the duration of ALS, the EDC strength score on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, and spontaneous activity detected by EMG studies.

RESULTSSFEMG indices were abnormal in all patients with ALS. Mean jitter ranged from 30 to 178 micros (mean 80.2 micros); the percentage of jitter >55 micros ranged from 5% to 100% (mean 60.5%). In addition, the impulse blocking percentage ranged from 0% to 90% (mean 28.1%) and FD ranged from 1.4 to 4.1 (mean 2.6). Mean jitter, the percentage of jitter >55 micros, and the blocking percentage in 57 patients with definite or probable ALS were significantly higher than in patients with possible or suspected ALS. MRC scores of the EDC negatively correlated with mean jitter, the percentage of jitter >55 micros, blocking percentage, and FD.

CONCLUSIONSSFEMG is the most sensitive tool for diagnosing definite or probable ALS. Increased jitter, blocking percentage, and FD can indicate the degree of immature collateral sprouts and motor end plates resulting from the progressive denervation and reinnervation associated with ALS, and may be helpful in evaluating prognosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ; physiopathology ; Electromyography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal ; physiology ; Neural Conduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a dystrophinopathy, and its associated gene is located on Xp21. Moreover, utrophin, a recently identified structural homologue of dystrophin is reported to be up-regulated in DMD. In order to investigate the association between utrophin and muscle regeneration in DMD, an immunohistochemical study using antibodies to utrophin, dystrophin, vimentin and desmin was carried out in 17 cases of DMD, 3 cases of polymyositis and 1 case of dermatomyositis. Dystrophin was negative in almost all cases of DMD, but positive in all cases of inflammatory myopathy (IM). Utrophin was positive in 94.0% of DMD and in 75.0% of IM. 36.4% of the myofibers were positive in DMD, as compared to 10.5% in IM (p=0.001). In both groups, utrophin positivity was present most commonly in small regenerating fibers (p=0.001, 0.013). Vimentin and desmin were intensely positive in regenerating fibers in all cases of DMD and IM. 34.4% and 35.4% of myofibers were positive for vimentin and desmin in DMD, as compared to 21.8% and 20.9% in IM (p=0.001, 0.001). In both groups, vimentin and desmin positivity were present most commonly in small regenerating fibers (p=0.001, 0.001). The staining intensities of utrophin, vimentin and desmin were also higher in small regenerating fibers. These results show that utrophin up-regulation is regeneration-associated, and that it is proportional to the quantity of regenerating myofibers, but is not specific for DMD.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytoskeletal Proteins/*metabolism ; Female ; Human ; Infant ; Male ; Membrane Proteins/*metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Fibers/*physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiopathology ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/*physiopathology ; *Regeneration