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Updated: May 16, 2026
Myo-mechanical Analysis of Isolated Skeletal Muscle
Published on: February 22, 2011
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in skeletal muscle of knockout mice suffering Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Flavia de Oliveira1, De Oliveira Flavia, Hananiah Tardivo Quintana
1Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Av Ana Costa 95, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP 11060-001, Brazil.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in fibrotic lesion in mdx mice. A total of six male C57BL/10 mice and six C57BL/10-DMD/mdx were distributed into two groups: control and animals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The medial part of gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated being the specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sirius Red under normal and polarized light to differentiate type I (red and yellow) and III (green) collagen. COX-2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The results revealed histopathological changes in C57BL/10-DMD/mdx as depicted by regenerating fibers. Sirius Red stain showed a substantial increase in the amount of type I collagen of mdx mice. DMD induced a strong COX-2 immunoexpression in intercellular space. Taken together, our results are consistent with the notion that necrotic and fibrotic lesions are able to increase COX-2 expression in DMD.
Insights
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in mdx mice leads to increased type I collagen and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in fibrotic lesions. This suggests a link between muscle damage and COX-2 activity in DMD.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Musculoskeletal Research
- Inflammation Biology
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and fibrosis.
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme implicated in inflammation and tissue remodeling, but its role in DMD-associated fibrosis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in fibrotic lesions within the gastrocnemius muscle of mdx mice, a model for DMD.
- To correlate COX-2 expression with collagen deposition and histopathological changes in DMD.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological analysis of gastrocnemius muscle specimens from control (C57BL/10) and mdx mice using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining.
- Sirius Red staining under polarized light to quantify type I and type III collagen.
- Immunohistochemistry to assess COX-2 expression in muscle tissue.
Main Results:
- Mdx mice exhibited significant histopathological alterations, including regenerating muscle fibers.
- A substantial increase in type I collagen deposition was observed in the muscle tissue of mdx mice compared to controls.
- DMD induced strong COX-2 immunoexpression, particularly in the intercellular spaces of the affected muscle.
Conclusions:
- Necrotic and fibrotic lesions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy are associated with increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression.
- These findings suggest that COX-2 plays a role in the fibrotic process occurring in DMD.
- Targeting COX-2 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for managing fibrosis in DMD.
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