[Changes in the tension receptors of skeletal muscles after tenotomy and immobilization]

Morphometric and histochemical changes of muscle spindles and tendon spindles of Golgi were studied in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles of tenotomized and immobilized rats. The number of intrafusal fibres and mechanoreceptors did not change after either tenotomy or immobilization. The diameter of intrafusal fibres decreased by 14 to 40% three weeks after tenotomy or immobilization. The histochemical characteristics of muscle fibres were also changed. The capsule of mechanoreceptors was found thickened, the intracapsular space disappeared. The capsule was tensely attached to the mechanoreceptors.