[Histochemical-morphometric studies of skeletal muscles in advanced arterial circulation disorders of the...

Biopsies of M. gastrocnemius and Nervus suralis of 12 patients with advanced disturbances of circulation were examined by means of morphometrical and histochemical methods. The histological picture of a neurogenic atrophy of the muscle fibres with partially strong hypertrophy of the slow-twitch fibres was found. The main reaction patterns and the pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed. Alterations in the ratio of type I and type II fibres are described. Fiber type disproportions, i.e. more than 75% type I fibres, may suggest that in hypoxia the type II fibres are more intensely damaged than type I fibres. There are correlations between pathological fibre distribution and the success of vasosurgical treatment.