Variation in the normalized tetanic force of single frog muscle fibres

1. The forces produced in maximal fixed-end tetani of single fibres isolated from the anterior tibialis muscle of the frog Rana temporaria have been measured at sarcomere lengths of 2.2 microns and temperatures near 0 and 10 degrees C. 2. When normalized by either cross-sectional area or dry weight per unit length at a sarcomere length of 2.2 microns, the forces vary over a twofold range. 3. The normalized force is not significantly correlated with the velocity of unloaded shortening or the twitch characteristics of the fibres. Lack of variability of these two quantities (together with histochemical evidence) suggest that only one fibre type is present in the experimental sample. 4. The steady rate of energy liberation (stable, heart rate) of the fibres during isometric tetani is positively correlated with the normalized force, indicating that extra ATP splitting is required to produce higher forces. 5. Fibres with a higher ratio of dry weight per unit length to cross-sectional area ('dry density') show a higher force when normalized by area, but not when normalized by dry weight per unit length. 6. Fibres with a more circular cross-sectional profile produce more force when normalized by either cross-sectional area or dry weight per unit length. The significance of this correlation is unclear. 7. The contribution of various sources to the total overall variation in normalized force is assessed. It is suggested that a diffusible substance or substances may be involved in modulating fibre force.