Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Development of a Colloidal Gold-based Immunochromatographic Test Strip for Detection of Cetacean Myoglobin
Published on: July 13, 2016
Complex polysaccharide inclusions in the skeletal muscle of stranded cetaceans
E Sierra1, A Fernández, A Espinosa de Los Monteros
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña S/N, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain. esierra@becarios.ulpgc.es
Abstract:
Skeletal muscle samples were examined post-mortem in 148 cetaceans over a 12-year period. Histological analysis included haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining with and without diastase digestion. In addition, histological muscle sections were immunostained for ubiquitin and fast and slow heavy-chain myosin isoforms. PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions were detected in 26 animals from 11 different species. Older cetaceans were preferentially affected. These intrafibre inclusions varied from large aggregates to multiple coarse granules and were typically associated with type II fibres. All diastase-resistant inclusions were positive for ubiquitin. These features resembled those inclusions described as complex polysaccharide in horses. Based on these histological findings and the ubiquitin staining pattern, a morphological diagnosis of complex polysaccharide storage myopathy is proposed.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Inclusions
Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
The muscle sarcolemma is a plasma membrane enclosing each muscle cell that conducts electrical signals called action potentials. The sarcolemma extends into the cell to form T-tubules, ensuring the neural impulses are uniformly distributed across the entire muscle...
Proteoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
