Type II to type I transformation of chronically stimulated goat latissimus dorsi muscle: a histoenzymological, biochemical, bioenergetic, and functional study

Eur Surg Res. 1996;28(2):80-95. doi: 10.1159/000129444.

Abstract

Five goat latissimus dorsi muscles (LDM) were submitted to a progressive chronic electrostimulation program to reach an integrated understanding of the fast-to-slow transformation process in large mammals. LDM were regularly sampled and followed during a period of 8 months. Each sample was simultaneously assessed for histoenzymological study, myosin and LDH isoforms and bioenergetic capacities [NADH dehydrogenase cytochrome c oxidoreductase (NADH Cyt c OR), succinate dehydrogenase cytochrome c oxidoreductase (Succ Cyt c OR), cytochrome c oxidase (Cyt c Ox) and LDH]. Such muscles were also tested with and without completion of II to I transformation for their mechanical properties in isometric and isotonic strain gauge testing. The conversion of fast-to-slow myosin monitored by heavy chain (HC I) and light chain slow component (LC2s) began a few days after stimulation and was almost 100% after 100 days. The H-LDH isoforms evolved similarly but did not reach 100% conversion after 200 days. The activity of respiratory chain oxidases increased within 36 h but to a variable extent and peaked after 32 days, corresponding to a 75% transformation of myosin compared to initial levels. NADH Cyt c OR, Succ Cyt c OR, and Cyt c Ox, respectively increased 10-, 5- and 5-fold. These activities then significantly decreased before the completion of the myofibrillar transformation and reached a plateau with stable activities that remained 2- to 3-fold higher than the unstimulated LDM. LDH activity sharply decreased until day 62 (5-fold) and then plateaued. Functionally, muscle showed a reduced speed of contraction and moderate reduction in power output but had become fatigue-resistant. This study documents the transformation process in large mammals and suggests the dynamic relation between workload, aerobic-anaerobic metabolism and the contractile myofibrillar system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Goats
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria, Muscle / enzymology*
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Myosins / metabolism*
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Oxidoreductases
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Myosins