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Physiological changes in fast and slow muscle with simulated weightlessnessA rat hindlimb suspension model of simulated weightlessness was used to examine the physiological characteristics of skeletal muscle. The physiological sequelae of hindlimb suspension were compared to those of spinal cord section, denervation by sciatic nerve crush, and control. Muscle examined were the predominantly slow (Type 1) soleus (SOL) and the predominantly fast (Type 2) extensor digitorum longus (EDL). Two procedures which alter motor unit activity, hindlimb suspension and spinal cord section, produce changes in characteristics of skeletal muscles that are dependent upon fiber type. The SOL develops characteristics more representative of a fast muscle, including smaller Type 1 fiber proportion and higher AChE activity. The EDL, which is already predominantly fast, loses most of its few Type 1 fibers, thus also becoming faster. These data are in agreement with the studies in which rats experienced actual weightlessness.
Document ID
19840010782
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dettbarn, W. D.
(Vanderbilt Univ. Nashville, TN, United States)
Misulis, K. E.
(Vanderbilt Univ. Nashville, TN, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Washington NASA Space Biol. Program
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
84N18850
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-469
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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