[Muscle fibers of pigs sensitive to halothane and resistant to it]

The histological and histochemical structure of m. longissimus thoracis, m. semimembranosus, m. triceps brachii-caput longum and m. rectus femoris was compared in pigs with a positive and negative reaction to halothane treatment. As found, the pigs affected by the malignant hyperthermia syndrome have thicker muscle fibres in the studied muscles. In the course of growth, the muscles of these animals have a larger proportion of red fibres (SO), but it is already at the age of 170 days (weight 100 kg) that light fibres prevail. The relative volume of the FG fibres is larger by 1-5%, as compared with the healthy animals. A higher number of pathologically changed fibres occurs in the pigs sensitive to halothane. The histological picture is individually variable; therefore the histological and histochemical methods cannot be considered as objective in view of MHS diagnosis. The general weakening of the constitution of the pigs is discussed as a possible predisposition factor underlying the development of various health disorders.