Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
A Preclinical Model of Sepsis-Induced Myopathy with Disuse in Mice
Published on: June 14, 2024
Electron microscopic studies on the effect of the diazepam on mouse sartorius muscle
M El Rawi Maisaa1, Yousif B Wafaa
1Department of Zoology, Education of Girls College, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The effect of the high therapeutic doses of diazepam on the histology and ultrastructure of the mice muscular tissue was investigated. Diazepam administration caused obvious histological and ultrastructural alterations in sartorius muscle fibers; distortion of their normal architecture was clearly observed. The sartorius muscle showed obvious enlargement of the nucleus, small and degenerated myofibrils, small, few and disorganized mitochondria, decrease of glycogen granules increase of fat vacuoles and destruction and dilation of SR, large interfibrillar spaces. Moreover, sartorius muscle revealed increase and vacuolation of connective tissue between the muscle fibers. Connective tissue contained dilated and congested blood capillaries, macrophages and many fibroblasts. In addition, disorganized myoneural junctions were noticed. Empty and dilated axons were noticed at the myoneural junction.
Insights
High therapeutic doses of diazepam significantly altered mice sartorius muscle histology and ultrastructure. Muscle fibers showed nuclear enlargement, mitochondrial damage, and disrupted myoneural junctions, indicating potential toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Ultrastructure
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diazepam is a widely used anxiolytic and muscle relaxant.
- Understanding its effects on muscle tissue at high doses is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological and ultrastructural effects of high therapeutic doses of diazepam on mouse muscular tissue.
- To identify specific cellular and tissue-level changes induced by diazepam.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of mouse sartorius muscle.
- Ultrastructural analysis using electron microscopy.
- High therapeutic doses of diazepam administered to mice.
Main Results:
- Observed significant alterations in muscle fiber architecture, including nuclear enlargement and myofibril degeneration.
- Mitochondria showed disorganization and reduction in number; glycogen granules decreased, and fat vacuoles increased.
- Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was destroyed and dilated, with enlarged interfibrillar spaces and vacuolated connective tissue.
- Myoneural junctions were disorganized with empty, dilated axons.
Conclusions:
- High therapeutic doses of diazepam induce substantial histological and ultrastructural damage to mouse skeletal muscle.
- These findings suggest potential myotoxicity associated with high-dose diazepam use.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these observed muscular alterations.
