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Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Myo-mechanical Analysis of Isolated Skeletal Muscle
Published on: February 22, 2011
Temperature dependence of isometric contractions of cat fast and slow skeletal muscles
Abstract:
The influence of temperature (range 38-20 degrees C) on the isometric contractions of flexor digitorum longus (fast-twitch) and soleus (slow-twitch) muscles of the cat hind leg was examined in situ and with supramaximal nerve stimulation. The maximum tetanic tension decreased by 5-7% on cooling from 38 to 27 degrees C and by about 17% on further cooling to 20 degrees C. The results were similar between the two muscles. The twitch tension increased by 100% in flexor digitorum longus and decreased by about 40% in soleus when the temperature was lowered from 38 to 20-24 degrees C. The results are compared with those reported for fast- and slow-twitch muscles of the rat.
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