Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Rodent Model of Masseter Volumetric Muscle Loss for Studying Bioengineering Materials
Published on: May 31, 2024
Ultrastructural changes in human masseter muscles after botulinum neurotoxin a injection
Fushun Ma1, Zhaohui Zhai1, Shunwen Zhu1
1Plastic Surgery Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 288 Shenglidongjie Kuiwen Weifang, Shandong, People's Republic of China, 261042.
Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) causes temporary ultrastructural changes in human masseter muscle. These muscle alterations, including fiber distortion and organelle damage, resolve within 12 months post-injection.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Neurotoxin research
- Histopathology
Background:
- Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) is a therapeutic and cosmetic agent.
- BoNTA is known to affect skeletal muscle function and structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in human masseter muscle after BoNTA injection.
- To determine the timeline for resolution of these changes.
Main Methods:
- Human masseter muscle specimens were analyzed.
- Ultrastructural changes were observed at 6 and 12 months post-BoNTA injection.
Main Results:
- Observed changes included muscle fiber distortion, sarcomere shortening, mitochondrial degeneration, glycogen accumulation, and H/M band disruption.
- Degenerative changes persisted at 12 months, though most organelles returned to normal structure.
Conclusions:
- BoNTA injection induces significant, yet transient, ultrastructural and organelle changes in masseter muscle.
- Most observed changes were resolved by 12 months after injection.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles for Facial Expressions
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...

