Electrophysiologic differences between mouse extensor digitorum longus and soleus

Miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) and indirectly elicited action potentials were recorded in vivo at 37 degrees C from surface fibers of the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and the slow-twitch soleus (SOL) muscles of 3- to 4-month-old Bar Harbor 129 mice. The EDL MEPPs exhibited a significantly higher frequency, smaller amplitude, and shorter duration than the MEPPs of the SOL. Action potentials of EDL fibers exhibited a significantly greater amplitude and shorter duration than SOL fibers. A single stimulus elicited several action potentials from an EDL fiber but only one action potential from a SOL fiber. Fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers can thus be identified and distinguished on the basis of these electrophysiologic parameters. There was no significant difference in resting membrane potentials between EDL and SOL fibers.