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Three-dimensional structure of the vascular network in normal and immobilized muscles of the rat
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ehime University School of Medicine, Japan.
Objective:
To examine whether there are three-dimensional changes in capillaries of rat soleus muscle during mechanical limb immobilization.
Design:
Scanning electron microscopy, with the microcorrosion cast technique, was used to examine vascular networks in immobilized Wistar rat soleus muscles from 4 to 12 weeks after limb immobilization and to compare these networks with those in the control muscle.
Intervention:
Immobilization of the soleus muscle was achieved by unilateral pinning of the ankle joint in full plantar flexion.
Results:
The wavelike structure of the vascular network in the control muscles changed into a straight configuration in 8- and 12-week immobilized muscles.