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Human Vastus Lateralis Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Using the Weil-Blakesley Conchotome
Published on: March 4, 2016
Microprobe analysis of human masseter muscle biopsies
Histochemistry
|January 1, 1983
Summary
This study analyzed human masseter muscle biopsies, confirming fiber type heterogeneity and mapping elemental distribution using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Results provide a foundation for studying this key masticatory muscle.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- The human masseter muscle is crucial for mastication.
- Understanding its cellular and elemental composition is vital for studying muscle function and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the heterogeneity of human masseter muscle fibers.
- To determine the distribution and relative masses of key elements (Na, P, S, Cl, K) within the masseter muscle.
Main Methods:
- Intraoral biopsies of human masseter muscle.
- Cryostat sectioning and freeze-drying of muscle samples.
- Myosin ATPase histochemistry (pH 9.3) to identify fiber types.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) for elemental mapping.
Main Results:
- Confirmed heterogeneity of Type I and Type II muscle fibers.
- Determined elemental concentrations in descending order: Potassium (K), Sulfur (S), Phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na), and Chlorine (Cl).
- Element ratios showed reasonable agreement with literature values for other muscle types.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully characterized the elemental composition of the human masseter muscle.
- These findings establish a baseline for future research on the masseter muscle in various physiological and pathological conditions.
