Temperature dependence of isometric contractions of cat fast and slow skeletal muscles.

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Abstract
The influence of temperature (range 38.degree.-20.degree. C) on the isometric contractions of flexor digitorum longus (fast-twitch) and soleus (slow-twitch) muscles of the cat hind leg was examined in situ and with supramaximal nerve stimulation. The maximum tetanic tension decreased by 5-7% on cooling from 38.degree.-27.degree. C and by .apprx. 17% on further cooling to 20.degree. C. The results were similar between the 2 muscles. The twitch tension increased by 100% in flexor digitorum longus and decreased by .apprx. 40% in soleus when the temperature was lowered from 38.degree. to 20.degree.-24.degree. C. The results are compared with those reported for fast- and slow-twitch muscles of the rat.