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[Electron microscopic study on muscle spindles in poliomyelitis (author's transl)]
Abstract:
The ultrastructures of the fifteen muscle spindles in poliomyelitis were studied especially concerning the structural alterations of intrafusal muscle fibers, sensory and motor nerve endings, though light microscopically previous workers have yielded no significant findings. Simultaneously performed light microscopic study of the same specimens revealed degenerative changes of the capsules in four muscle spindles and less significant changes in the remaining eleven muscle spindles. Ultrastructural findings of intrafusal muscle fibers consist or small vacuoles with irregular loss of myofilaments. Electron density of mitochondria in sensory nerve endings have increased and its cristae have disappeared. Plasma membranes of sensory nerve endings and intrafusal fibers are discontinuous. Mitochondria in motor nerve endings showed same findings, and basal lamina and junctional folds are also discontinuous or partially obscure. These findings seem to be neuropathic alterations of muscle spindles in poliomyelitis.
Insights
Poliomyelitis causes significant ultrastructural damage to muscle spindles, including intrafusal muscle fibers and nerve endings. These findings reveal neuropathic alterations in muscle spindles affected by poliomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Muscle Physiology
- Electron Microscopy
Context:
- Poliomyelitis, a viral disease, primarily affects motor neurons but can impact other neural structures.
- Previous light microscopy studies showed limited findings in poliomyelitis-affected muscle spindles.
- Ultrastructural analysis is crucial for understanding subtle cellular changes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the ultrastructural alterations in muscle spindles of patients with poliomyelitis.
- To characterize changes in intrafusal muscle fibers, sensory, and motor nerve endings.
- To correlate microscopic findings with the neuropathic effects of poliomyelitis.
Summary:
- Ultrastructural examination of muscle spindles in poliomyelitis revealed significant changes.
- Intrafusal muscle fibers showed vacuoles and myofilament loss.
- Sensory and motor nerve endings exhibited mitochondrial damage, discontinuous membranes, and basal lamina irregularities.
Impact:
- This study provides detailed ultrastructural evidence of muscle spindle damage in poliomyelitis.
- Findings contribute to understanding the neuromuscular pathology of poliomyelitis.
- Highlights the utility of electron microscopy in diagnosing subtle neuropathic changes.