INHIBITION OF THE EXPRESSION OF PATHOLOGY IN DYSTROPHIC MOUSE LEG MUSCLES BY IMMOBILIZATION

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (2) , 225-230
Abstract
Normal and dystrophic calf muscles of young mice of the Bar Harbor strain Re 129 were immobilized with the foot in an extended position. Two wk after treatment the muscles were examined morphologically. Immobilization resulted in the inhibition of fiber necrosis and, consequently, of regeneration. In the contralateral leg, these processes progressed unhampered and gave rise to typical dystrophic features. As a result of treatment there was some muscle fiber atrophy. Evidently, injury of muscle fibers is of a true myogenic nature, and that mechanical, i.e., contractive, activity is an important factor inducing damage to the sarcolemma of dystrophic muscle fibers.