Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 28, 2026

Magnetic Stirrer Method for the Detection of Trichinella Larvae in Muscle Samples
09:44

Magnetic Stirrer Method for the Detection of Trichinella Larvae in Muscle Samples

Published on: March 3, 2017

Adaptive changes in muscle fibers infected with Trichinella spiralis

D Despommier

    The American Journal of Pathology
    |March 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Trichinella spiralis larvae cause significant ultrastructural changes in skeletal muscle fibers, including sarcoplasmic reticulum proliferation and myofilament disorganization. These changes lead to a complete replacement of myofilaments and altered plasma membrane by day 10.

    Area of Science:

    • Parasitology
    • Cell Biology
    • Muscle Physiology

    Background:

    • Trichinella spiralis is a nematode parasite that infects skeletal muscle.
    • Understanding the host-parasite interaction at the cellular level is crucial for developing treatment strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To document the daily ultrastructural changes in skeletal muscle fibers infected with Trichinella spiralis larvae.
    • To elucidate the timeline and nature of cellular modifications induced by the parasite.

    Main Methods:

    • Synchronous infection of skeletal muscle fibers with Trichinella spiralis larvae.
    • Daily ultrastructural analysis using electron microscopy.

    Main Results:

    • No changes observed in the first 2 days post-infection.
    • Development of a space between the plasma membrane and myofilaments by Day 3.
    • Increasing disarray of myofilaments, nuclear enlargement, and migration by Day 4.
    • Sarcomere disorganization and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) increase by Day 5.
    • Z bands and actin filaments restricted to the periphery by Day 8, with T-tubule system proliferation.
    • Complete replacement of myofilaments with SR, hyperinvoluted plasma membrane, and increased glycocalyx thickness by Day 10.
    • Larva surrounded by a host-derived double membrane.

    Conclusions:

    • Trichinella spiralis infection induces progressive and profound ultrastructural alterations in skeletal muscle fibers.
    • These modifications transform the muscle fiber's cellular architecture to support the parasite's survival and development.
    • The study provides a detailed temporal map of cellular changes during Trichinella spiralis infection.

    More Related Videos

    A Rapid Automated Protocol for Muscle Fiber Population Analysis in Rat Muscle Cross Sections Using Myosin Heavy Chain Immunohistochemistry05:57

    A Rapid Automated Protocol for Muscle Fiber Population Analysis in Rat Muscle Cross Sections Using Myosin Heavy Chain Immunohistochemistry

    Published on: March 28, 2017

    Single Fiber Isolation Assay for the Assessment of Oxidative Myofiber Behavior07:01

    Single Fiber Isolation Assay for the Assessment of Oxidative Myofiber Behavior

    Published on: March 31, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers01:48

    Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers

    Skeletal muscles continuously produce ATP to provide the energy that enables muscle contractions. Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into three types based on differences in their contraction speed and how they produce ATP, as well as physical differences related to these factors. Most human muscles contain all three muscle fiber types, albeit in varying proportions.
    Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
    Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
    Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

    Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

    The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
    Musculoskeletal disorders
    Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
    Exercise and Muscle Performance01:27

    Exercise and Muscle Performance

    Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
    Endurance exercises
    Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
    Tetanus01:29

    Tetanus

    Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
    Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

    Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

    Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
    Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

    Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

    Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...