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[Morpho-functional changes in the frog sartorius muscle fibers during the winter]
Fiziologicheskii Zhurnal SSSR Imeni I. M. Sechenova
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Frog muscle fibers show altered electrical properties and increased acetylcholine sensitivity in winter, with some nerve terminal degeneration observed. These seasonal changes impact neuromuscular function.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Neurobiology
- Seasonal adaptation
Context:
- Investigating seasonal variations in frog skeletal muscle (m. sartorius).
- Examining neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure and function.
- Assessing the impact of temperature and season on muscle electrophysiology.
Purpose:
- To elucidate seasonal differences in frog muscle electrical characteristics.
- To quantify changes in acetylcholine sensitivity.
- To evaluate the structural integrity of nerve terminals and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity.
Summary:
- Frog m. sartorius muscle fibers exhibited unchanged resting membrane potential (MP) but altered passive electrical characteristics seasonally.
- Acetylcholine sensitivity doubled in winter, indicating enhanced neuromuscular transmission.
- Silver staining revealed degenerative changes in neuromuscular junctions during winter, alongside altered SDH activity.
Impact:
- Highlights seasonal plasticity in neuromuscular systems.
- Provides insights into physiological adaptations to environmental changes.
- Suggests potential implications for muscle function and recovery during colder months.