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Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)2009; 292(10); 1663-1669; doi: 10.1002/ar.20961

Muscle fiber population and biochemical properties of whole body muscles in Thoroughbred horses.

Abstract: We examine the muscle fiber population and metabolic properties of skeletal muscles from the whole body in Thoroughbred horses. Postmortem samples were taken from 46 sites in six Thoroughbred horses aged between 3 and 6 years. Fiber type population was determined on muscle fibers stained with monoclonal antibody to each myosin heavy chain isoform and metabolic enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Histochemical analysis demonstrated that most of the muscles had a high percentage of Type IIa fibers. In terms of the muscle characteristic in several parts of the horse body, the forelimb muscles had a higher percentage of Type IIa fiber and a significantly lower percentage of Type IIx fiber than the hindlimb muscles. The muscle fiber type populations in the thoracic and trunk portion were similar to those in the hindlimb portion. Biochemical analysis indicated high succinate dehydrogenase activity in respiratory-related muscle and high phosphofructokinase activity in hindlimbs. We suggested that the higher percentage of Type IIa fibers in Thoroughbred racehorses is attributed to training effects. To consider further the physiological significance of each part of the body, data for the recruitment pattern of each muscle fiber type during exercise are needed. The muscle fiber properties in this study combined with the recruitment data would provide fundamental information for physiological and pathological studies in Thoroughbred horses.
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Publication Date: 2009-09-04 PubMed ID: 19728360DOI: 10.1002/ar.20961Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research studied the muscle fiber types and metabolic properties of whole body muscles in Thoroughbred horses. It found a prevalence of Type IIa muscle fibers in these horses and suggested this could be due to training effects.

Research Methodology

  • The scientists examined the muscle tissues postmortem from 46 different sites in six Thoroughbred horses aged between 3 and 6 years.
  • They determined the muscle fiber types present in each sample by staining them with a monoclonal antibody linked to each myosin heavy chain isoform.
  • Following this, the scientists measured metabolic enzyme activities spectrophotometrically to understand the biochemical characteristics of the muscle tissues.

Key Findings

  • The histochemical analysis, a study of the chemical components of the tissues, revealed most of the muscles had a high percentage of Type IIa muscle fibers.
  • When examining the muscle properties from different parts of the horse body, it was discovered that the forelimb muscles had a higher percentage of Type IIa fiber and a significantly lower percentage of Type IIx fiber than the hindlimb muscles.
  • The muscle fiber types in the thoracic and trunk portions displayed similarities to those found in the hindlimb area.
  • The study of the enzymatic activities showed high succinate dehydrogenase activity in muscles related to respiratory function and high phosphofructokinase activity in hindlimbs.

Interpretation and Suggestions for Future Study

  • The research suggested that the higher percentage of Type IIa fibers found in Thoroughbred racehorses might be a consequence of their intensive training.
  • To better understand the physiological significance of each body part, future research needs to examine how each muscle fiber type is used during exercise. This information, combined with the findings from this study, could be highly informative for physiological and pathological studies in Thoroughbred horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Kawai M, Minami Y, Sayama Y, Kuwano A, Hiraga A, Miyata H. (2009). Muscle fiber population and biochemical properties of whole body muscles in Thoroughbred horses. Anat Rec (Hoboken), 292(10), 1663-1669. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.20961

Publication

Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
ISSN: 1932-8494
NlmUniqueID: 101292775
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 292
Issue: 10
Pages: 1663-1669

Researcher Affiliations

Kawai, Minako
  • Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Minami, Yoshio
    Sayama, Yukiko
      Kuwano, Atsutoshi
        Hiraga, Atsushi
          Miyata, Hirofumi

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Diaphragm / cytology
            • Diaphragm / enzymology
            • Horses / anatomy & histology
            • Horses / metabolism
            • Male
            • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / cytology
            • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / enzymology
            • Phosphofructokinases / metabolism
            • Succinate Dehydrogenase / metabolism

            Citations

            This article has been cited 23 times.
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