The Effect of Long-Term Exposure to Different Temperatures on the Mechanical Performance of Frog Muscle

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Abstract
This study was performed to determine whether frogs modify the mechanical properties of their muscles during long-term exposure to different temperatures. Rana pipiens were exposed to 12 C and to 28 C for 8 mo. Sartorius muscles were removed from these animals and tested at three temperatures: 5 C, 15 C, and 25 C. No differences were found in the shortening velocity, power output, or isometric force at a given temperature between muscles taken from frogs exposed to 12 C and to 28 C. Shortening velocity and power output were found to increase three- to fivefold between 5 C and 25 C, whereas isometric force increased by less than 20%.