Quantitative study of the histochemical and morphometric characteristics of the rat muscles of the hind limb

number: 
539
English
department: 
Degree: 
Imprint: 
Medicine - Anatomy
Author: 
Muthanna abdul-Ameer Abdul-Latif
Supervisor: 
Dr. Anam R. Al-Salihi
Dr. Akram Abood Jaffar
year: 
2001
Abstract:

Six muscles (the Gluteus Superficialis, Gluteus Medius, Semimembranosus, Vastus Medialis, Soleus, and Tibialis Anterior) from the hind limbs of 30 adult male albino rats were studied histochemically and morphometrically. Histochemical myofiber type composition (Type I, II, and Intermediate) for each muscle was determined using a-naphthyl acetate esterases and succinate dehydrogenase staining methods. Five morphometric parameters: the form factor, lesser fiber diameter, diameter of an equivalent circle, area, and perimeter for each myofiber type were measured with a semi-automated image analysis system. For each muscle, a standard profile of histochemical fiber type composition and morphometric parameters was calculated and evaluated statistically. The possibility of categorization of the studied muscles into functional groups as flexor-extensor or joint agonist-antagonist was discussed. Tables of standard values for each muscle were put forward. The study revealed that each muscle had its own liistochemical fiber type composition and each muscle was a separate entity regarding its morphometric parameters. The close relationship between Semimembranosus and Vasrus Medialis might be attributed to the vicinity of their motor spinal cord nuclei. The observation that Soleus lacked Type II fibers was evaluated. All three myofiber types were of a regular circular or ellipsoid shape. The apparent morphological peculiarity of Type I fibers being similar to angular fibers was a subjective misconception. Size difference between fiber types was found: II > Intermediate > I. The lesser fiber diameter was recommended for use in comparative studies since it is more reliable than the diameter of an equivalent circle in obviating section obliquity.