scholarly journals Geometric models to explore mechanisms of dynamic shape change in skeletal muscle

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 172371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor J. M. Dick ◽  
James M. Wakeling
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Geometric Constraints ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Type Model ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Shape Changes ◽  
Dynamic Shape

Skeletal muscle bulges when it contracts. These three-dimensional (3D) dynamic shape changes play an important role in muscle performance by altering the range of fascicle velocities over which a muscle operates. However traditional muscle models are one-dimensional (1D) and cannot fully explain in vivo shape changes. In this study we compared medial gastrocnemius behaviour during human cycling (fascicle length changes and rotations) predicted by a traditional 1D Hill-type model and by models that incorporate two-dimensional (2D) and 3D geometric constraints to in vivo measurements from B-mode ultrasound during a range of mechanical conditions ranging from 14 to 44 N m and 80 to 140 r.p.m. We found that a 1D model predicted fascicle lengths and pennation angles similar to a 2D model that allowed the aponeurosis to stretch, and to a 3D model that allowed for aponeurosis stretch and variable shape changes to occur. This suggests that if the intent of a model is to predict fascicle behaviour alone, then the traditional 1D Hill-type model may be sufficient. Yet, we also caution that 1D models are limited in their ability to infer the mechanisms by which shape changes influence muscle mechanics. To elucidate the mechanisms governing muscle shape change, future efforts should aim to develop imaging techniques able to characterize whole muscle 3D geometry in vivo during active contractions.

scholarly journals Shifting gears: dynamic muscle shape changes and force-velocity behavior in the medial gastrocnemius

2017 ◽  
Vol 123 (6) ◽  
pp. 1433-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor J. M. Dick ◽  
James M. Wakeling
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Force Velocity ◽  
Shape Changes

When muscles contract, they bulge in thickness or in width to maintain a (nearly) constant volume. These dynamic shape changes are tightly linked to the internal constraints placed on individual muscle fibers and play a key functional role in modulating the mechanical performance of skeletal muscle by increasing its range of operating velocities. Yet to date we have a limited understanding of the nature and functional implications of in vivo dynamic muscle shape change under submaximal conditions. This study determined how the in vivo changes in medial gastrocnemius (MG) fascicle velocity, pennation angle, muscle thickness, and subsequent muscle gearing varied as a function of force and velocity. To do this, we obtained recordings of MG tendon length, fascicle length, pennation angle, and thickness using B-mode ultrasound and muscle activation using surface electromyography during cycling at a range of cadences and loads. We found that that increases in contractile force were accompanied by reduced bulging in muscle thickness, reduced increases in pennation angle, and faster fascicle shortening. Although the force and velocity of a muscle contraction are inversely related due to the force-velocity effect, this study has shown how dynamic muscle shape changes are influenced by force and not influenced by velocity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During movement, skeletal muscles contract and bulge in thickness or width. These shape changes play a key role in modulating the performance of skeletal muscle by increasing its range of operating velocities. Yet to date the underlying mechanisms associated with muscle shape change remain largely unexplored. This study identified muscle force, and not velocity, as the mechanistic driving factor to allow for muscle gearing to vary depending on the contractile conditions during human cycling.

Platelet Shape Change Evoked by Selective Activation of P2X1 Purinoceptors with α,β-Methylene ATP

2001 ◽  
Vol 85 (02) ◽  
pp. 303-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Rolf ◽  
Charles Brearley ◽  
Martyn Mahaut-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Inhibitory Action ◽  
Light Transmission ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Selective Activation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Shape Changes ◽  
Platelet Shape

SummarySimultaneous measurements of [Ca2+]i and light transmission were used to examine the relationship between P2X1 receptor activation and functional platelet responses. The P2X1 agonist α,β-MeATP evoked a transient [Ca2+]i increase and a reversible decrease in light transmission; both responses required external Ca2+ and the nucleotidase apyrase. The transmission response was due to shape change only, verified by scanning electron microscopy and insensitivity to Reopro, a GPIIbIIIa antagonist. α,β-MeATP stimulated smaller shape changes than ADP, however P2X1 responses had a lifespan of <2 h following resuspension in saline and may be considerably larger in vivo. A peak [Ca2+]i increase of >50 nM was required for detectable shape change. Overlap of concentration-response relationships for α,β-MeATP-evoked [Ca2+]i and shape change suggests that other second messengers are not involved. Therefore, the physiological P2X1 agonist ATP can contribute to platelet activation, in contrast to its previously described inhibitory action at metabotropic platelet purinoceptors.

Early effects of ageing on the mechanical performance of isolated locomotory (EDL) and respiratory (diaphragm) skeletal muscle using the work-loop technique

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (6) ◽  
pp. R670-R684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Tallis ◽  
Rob S. James ◽  
Alexander G. Little ◽  
Val M. Cox ◽  
Michael J. Duncan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Maximal Power ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Loop Technique ◽  
Edl Muscle ◽  
Work Loop

Previous isolated muscle studies examining the effects of ageing on contractility have used isometric protocols, which have been shown to have poor relevance to dynamic muscle performance in vivo. The present study uniquely uses the work-loop technique for a more realistic estimation of in vivo muscle function to examine changes in mammalian skeletal muscle mechanical properties with age. Measurements of maximal isometric stress, activation and relaxation time, maximal power output, and sustained power output during repetitive activation and recovery are compared in locomotory extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and core diaphragm muscle isolated from 3-, 10-, 30-, and 50-wk-old female mice to examine the early onset of ageing. A progressive age-related reduction in maximal isometric stress that was of greater magnitude than the decrease in maximal power output occurred in both muscles. Maximal force and power developed earlier in diaphragm than EDL muscle but demonstrated a greater age-related decline. The present study indicates that ability to sustain skeletal muscle power output through repetitive contraction is age- and muscle-dependent, which may help rationalize previously reported equivocal results from examination of the effect of age on muscular endurance. The age-related decline in EDL muscle performance is prevalent without a significant reduction in muscle mass, and biochemical analysis of key marker enzymes suggests that although there is some evidence of a more oxidative fiber type, this is not the primary contributor to the early age-related reduction in muscle contractility.

scholarly journals Estimation of absolute states of human skeletal muscle via standard B-mode ultrasound imaging and deep convolutional neural networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (162) ◽  
pp. 20190715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J. Cunningham ◽  
Ian D. Loram
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Joint Angle ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Joint Moment ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Segmented Images

The objective is to test automated in vivo estimation of active and passive skeletal muscle states using ultrasonic imaging. Current technology (electromyography, dynamometry, shear wave imaging) provides no general, non-invasive method for online estimation of skeletal muscle states. Ultrasound (US) allows non-invasive imaging of muscle, yet current computational approaches have never achieved simultaneous extraction or generalization of independently varying active and passive states. We use deep learning to investigate the generalizable content of two-dimensional (2D) US muscle images. US data synchronized with electromyography of the calf muscles, with measures of joint moment/angle, were recorded from 32 healthy participants (seven female; ages: 27.5, 19–65). We extracted a region of interest of medial gastrocnemius and soleus using our prior developed accurate segmentation algorithm. From the segmented images, a deep convolutional neural network was trained to predict three absolute, drift-free components of the neurobiomechanical state (activity, joint angle, joint moment) during experimentally designed, simultaneous independent variation of passive (joint angle) and active (electromyography) inputs. For all 32 held-out participants (16-fold cross-validation) the ankle joint angle, electromyography and joint moment were estimated to accuracy 55 ± 8%, 57 ± 11% and 46 ± 9%, respectively. With 2D US imaging, deep neural networks can encode, in generalizable form, the activity–length–tension state relationship of these muscles. Observation-only, low-power 2D US imaging can provide a new category of technology for non-invasive estimation of neural output, length and tension in skeletal muscle. This proof of principle has value for personalized muscle assessment in pain, injury, neurological conditions, neuropathies, myopathies and ageing.

scholarly journals Improved Tetanic Force and Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis by Astaxanthin Treatment in Mouse Skeletal Muscle

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sztretye ◽  
Singlár ◽  
Szabó ◽  
Angyal ◽  
Balogh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Calcium Homeostasis ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Calcium Transients ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium ◽  
Tetanic Force

Background: Astaxanthin (AX) a marine carotenoid is a powerful natural antioxidant which protects against oxidative stress and improves muscle performance. Retinol and its derivatives were described to affect lipid and energy metabolism. Up to date, the effects of AX and retinol on excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in skeletal muscle are poorly described. Methods: 18 C57Bl6 mice were divided into two groups: Control and AX supplemented in rodent chow for 4 weeks (AstaReal A1010). In vivo and in vitro force and intracellular calcium homeostasis was studied. In some experiments acute treatment with retinol was employed. Results: The voltage activation of calcium transients (V50) were investigated in single flexor digitorum brevis isolated fibers under patch clamp and no significant changes were found following AX supplementation. Retinol shifted V50 towards more positive values and decreased the peak F/F0 of the calcium transients. The amplitude of tetani in the extensor digitorum longus was significantly higher in AX than in control group. Lastly, the mitochondrial calcium uptake was found to be less prominent in AX. Conclusion: AX supplementation increases in vitro tetanic force without affecting ECC and exerts a protecting effect on the mitochondria. Retinol treatment has an inhibitory effect on ECC in skeletal muscle.

scholarly journals The effect of obesity on the contractile performance of isolated mouse soleus, EDL, and diaphragm muscles

2017 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 170-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Tallis ◽  
Cameron Hill ◽  
Rob S. James ◽  
Val M. Cox ◽  
Frank Seebacher
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protein Kinase Activity ◽  
Negative Cycle ◽  
Contractile Performance

Obesity affects the major metabolic and cellular processes involved in skeletal muscle contractility. Surprisingly, the effect of obesity on isolated skeletal muscle performance remains unresolved. The present study is the first to examine the muscle-specific changes in contractility following dietary-induced obesity using an isolated muscle work-loop (WL) model that more closely represents in vivo muscle performance. Following 16-wk high-calorific feeding, soleus (SOL), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and diaphragm (DIA) were isolated from female (CD-1) mice, and contractile performance was compared against a lean control group. Obese SOL produced greater isometric force; however, isometric stress (force per unit muscle area), absolute WL power, and normalized WL power (watts per kilogram muscle mass) were unaffected. Maximal isometric force and absolute WL power of the EDL were similar between groups. For both EDL and DIA, isometric stress and normalized WL power were reduced in the obese groups. Obesity caused a significant reduction in fatigue resistance in all cases. Our findings demonstrate a muscle-specific reduction in contractile performance and muscle quality that is likely related to in vivo mechanical role, fiber type, and metabolic profile, which may in part be related to changes in myosin heavy chain expression and AMP-activated protein kinase activity. These results infer that, beyond the additional requirement of moving a larger body mass, functional performance and quality of life may be further limited by poor muscle function in obese individuals. As such, a reduction in muscle performance may be a substantial contributor to the negative cycle of obesity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The effect of obesity on isolated muscle function is surprisingly underresearched. The present study is the first to examine the effects of obesity on isolated muscle performance using a method that more closely represents real-world muscle function. This work uniquely establishes a muscle-specific profile of mechanical changes in relation to underpinning mechanisms. These findings may be important to understanding the negative cycle of obesity and in designing interventions for improving weight status.

scholarly journals Autonomous epithelial folding induced by an intracellular mechano–polarity feedback loop

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu-Lai Wen ◽  
Chun Wai Kwan ◽  
Yu-Chiun Wang ◽  
Tatsuo Shibata
Keyword(s):  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Emergent Properties ◽  
Cell Geometry ◽  
Biochemical Mechanisms ◽  
Fold Formation ◽  
Folded Structures ◽  
Shape Changes

AbstractEpithelial tissues form folded structures during embryonic development and organogenesis. Whereas substantial efforts have been devoted to identifying mechanical and biochemical mechanisms that induce folding, how they interact remains poorly understood. Here we propose a mechano–biochemical model for dorsal fold formation in the early Drosophila embryo, an epithelial folding event induced by shifts of cell polarity. Based on experimentally observed apical domain homeostasis, we couple cell mechanics to polarity and find that mechanical changes following the initial polarity shifts alter cell geometry, which in turn influences the reaction-diffusion of polarity proteins, thus forming a feedback loop between mechanics and polarity. This model can induce spontaneous fold formation in silico, recapitulate polarity and shape changes observed in vivo, and confer robustness to tissue shape change against small fluctuations in mechanics and polarity. These findings reveal emergent properties of a developing epithelium under control of intracellular mechano–polarity coupling.

scholarly journals Trimetazidine Attenuates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy via Inhibiting NLRP3/GSDMD Pathway-Mediated Pyroptosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Ming-Qing He ◽  
Xi-Yu Shen ◽  
Kang-Zhen Zhang ◽  
Can Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscle Atrophy ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy ◽  
C2c12 Myotubes ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Compound

Skeletal muscle atrophy is one of the major side effects of high dose or sustained usage of glucocorticoids. Pyroptosis is a novel form of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death that may contribute to skeletal muscle injury. Trimetazidine, a well-known anti-anginal agent, can also improve skeletal muscle performance both in human and mice. We here showed that dexamethasone induced atrophy, evidenced by the increase of muscle atrophy F-box (Atrogin-1) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1) expression , and the decrease of myotube diameter in C2C12 myotubes. Dexamethasone also induced pyroptosis, indicated by upregulated pyroptosis-related protein NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Knockdown of NLRP3 or GSDMD attenuated dexamethasone-induced myotube pyroptosis and atrophy. Trimetazidine administration ameliorated dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, trimetazidine improved exercise tolerance, as evidenced by increased running distance and running time, as well as increased skeletal muscle mass in dexamethasone-treated mice. Mechanically, trimetazidine could reverse dexamethasone-induced activation of pyroptosis both in C2C12 myotubes and in mice. Taken together, our present study demonstrated that NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-mediated pyroptosis was involved in dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Trimetazidine could partially alleviate dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, and increase the diameter of C2C12 myotubes via inhibiting pyroptosis. Thus, trimetazidine might be a potential therapeutic compound for the prevention of muscle atrophy in glucocorticoid-treated patients.

High-frequency initial pulses do not affect efficiency in rat fast skeletal muscle

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (8) ◽  
pp. 1503-1508
Author(s):  
F. Abbate ◽  
C.J. de Ruiter ◽  
A. de Haan
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Fast Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Constant Frequency ◽  
Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles

This study investigated the effects of high-frequency initial pulses on the efficiency (=total work output/high-energy phosphate consumption) of rat fast skeletal muscle. In situ rat medial gastrocnemius muscles performed 15 repeated shortening contractions (2 s(−1); velocity 50 mm s(−1)) with occluded blood flow while activated with triplets of 400 Hz followed by 60 Hz trains (T400;60) or with constant-frequency trains of either 60 or 91 Hz. All stimulation patterns consisted of six pulses. After the last contraction, the muscles were quickly freeze-clamped and analysed for metabolite levels. The calculated efficiencies were 20.4+/−3.0 mJ micromol(−1)P (N=7), 19.4+/−1.8 mJ micromol(−1)P (N=8) and 19.6+/−2.5 mJ micromol(−1)P (N=7; means +/− s.d.) for T400;60, 60 and 91 Hz stimulation respectively (P&gt;0.05). It is concluded that, although high-frequency initial pulses can enhance muscle performance, the efficiency of rat fast skeletal muscle did not differ from that for submaximal constant-frequency stimulation patterns.

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