Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Our aim in this study was to examine whether the muscle fiber type proportions in different muscles from the same individual are interrelated.
METHODS
Samples were excised from five skeletal muscles in each of 12 human autopsy cases, and the fiber type proportions were determined by immunohistochemistry. We further examined the intermuscular relationship in fiber type proportion by reanalyzing three previously published data sets involving other muscles.
RESULTS
Subjects demonstrated a predominantly high or low proportion of type 1 fibers in all examined muscles, and the overall difference between individuals was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Accordingly, the type 1 fiber proportions in most muscles were positively correlated (median r = 0.42, range -0.03-0.80). Similar results were also obtained from the three reanalyzed data sets.
CONCLUSIONS
We suggest the existence of an across-muscle phenotype with respect to fiber type proportions; some individuals display generally faster muscles and some individuals slower muscles when compared with others.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Vikne H, Gundersen K, Liestøl K, Maelen J, Vøllestad N

Institution

Department of Health Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1089 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway. harald.vikne@medisin.uio.no.

Source

Muscle & nerve 45:4 2012 Apr pg 527-35

MeSH

Adult
Aged
Anatomy, Cross-Sectional
Autopsy
Cell Count
Cell Size
Coloring Agents
Female
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Humans
Leg
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Contraction
Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch
Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch
Muscle, Skeletal
Neck Muscles

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22431086