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Tenascin in denervated human muscle
1Department of Neurology, University of Hamburg, University Hospital Homburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Tenascin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, accumulates in denervated adult human muscle more than in children's. This protein is found even near normal-sized muscle fibers, indicating early denervation stages.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Neurology
Background:
- Tenascin is a large oligomeric glycoprotein found in extracellular matrix.
- It is typically located in innervated muscle tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and accumulation of Tenascin in denervated human muscle tissues from both children and adults.
- To determine if Tenascin presence correlates with the stage of muscle fiber atrophy.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistological investigation using two monoclonal antibodies against Tenascin.
- Analysis of biopsied denervated human muscle samples from children and adults.
Main Results:
- Tenascin was detected in the interstitial space among denervated muscle fibers in both age groups.
- Tenascin accumulation was significantly more frequent and pronounced in adult denervated muscle compared to children's.
- Tenascin was observed near both atrophic and normally sized muscle fibers.
Conclusions:
- Tenascin is present in denervated human muscle.
- The accumulation of Tenascin differs between adult and pediatric denervated muscle.
- Tenascin detection near normally sized fibers suggests it is an early marker for muscle denervation, preceding fiber volume reduction.