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Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2014; 56(1); 8; doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-56-8

Muscle fibre type distribution of the thoracolumbar and hindlimb regions of horses: relating fibre type and functional role.

Abstract: Although the majority of equine muscles have a mixed fibre type distribution indicative of diverse functional roles, the predominance of a fibre type can indicate the primary function of a muscle. The deep epaxial musculature has an important role in core spinal stability in humans, reflected as a predominantly muscle fibre type (MFT) I or postural fibre type. The fibre type of the deep epaxial musculature has not been determined in horses. The objective of the study was to determine the MFT distribution in selected muscles of thoracolumbar and hindlimb region of horses. This included deep epaxial and hypaxial muscles that were hypothesised to have a postural stabilising role. A second objective was to examine differences in MFT distribution between horses bred for endurance (Arabian) and sprinting (Quarter horse). Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from selected thoracolumbar and hind limb muscles of 5 Quarter horses, 4 Arabians, and 2 Thoroughbreds. The myosin heavy chain distribution was determined by gel electrophoresis. Mann-Whitney rank test was used to compare the proportional MFT and differences between breeds. Results: Mm. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis and diaphragm had the highest proportion of MFT-I. The remaining deep epaxial muscles and the hypaxial muscle m. psoas minor had approximately equal MFT I and II proportions. Mm. psoas major, iliocostalis, longissimus dorsi and the hind limb muscles contained mostly MFT-IIX. The fibre type distribution was similar between Arabians and Quarter horses, although Quarter horses had more MFT-IIX fibres in psoas major (P = 0.02) while Arabians had more MFT-I fibres in m. longissimus dorsi (P = 0.03). Conclusions: The fibre type distribution of the deep epaxial muscles, mm psoas minor and diaphragm varied from approximately equal MFT-I and II proportions to predominantly MFT-I suggesting a postural stabilising role possibly important in core spinal stability. In contrast the fibre type proportions of mm psoas major, iliocostalis, longissimus dorsi and the hind limb muscles were mainly MFT-II suggesting a locomotory role. Knowledge of fibre type distribution in such a clinically important area can direct diagnosis, prevention and treatment of muscular or neuromotor dysfunction.
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Publication Date: 2014-01-27 PubMed ID: 24468115PubMed Central: PMC3922740DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-56-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research study investigated the muscle fibre type distribution in certain muscles of horses, to determine their functional roles and to compare differences between horses bred for endurance versus sprinting. They discovered that some muscles suggested a postural stabilising role in horses, while others suggested a locomotory role.

Research Objectives and Methodology

  • The main goal of the study was to identify the muscle fibre type (MFT) distribution in selected muscles of the thoracolumbar and hindlimb region of the horse. These included deep epaxial and hypaxial muscles, which were predicted to have a role in postural stabilization.
  • The study also aimed to reveal differences in MFT distribution between Arabian horses, bred for endurance, and Quarter horses, bred for sprinting.
  • The research team used biopsies from selected thoracolumbar and hind limb muscles from Quarter horses, Arabians, and Thoroughbreds. They examined the distribution of myosin heavy chains in these samples through gel electrophoresis.
  • The researchers then compared the proportion of different MFTs and any differences between breeds, using the Mann-Whitney rank test.

Key Findings

  • The researchers discovered that two muscle groups, Mm. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis and the diaphragm, primarily consisted of MFT-I fibres, which are typically associated with posture and stability.
  • The other deep epaxial muscles, along with m. psoas minor, showed roughly equal distributions of MFT I and II proportions.
  • On the other hand, muscles like Mm. psoas major, iliocostalis, longissimus dorsi, and the hind limb muscles were mostly made up of MFT-IIX fibres, typically associated with movements and locomotion.
  • While the fibre type distribution was generally similar between Arabian and Quarter horses, there were some differences. Quarter horses had more MFT-IIX fibres in their psoas major, whereas Arabians had more MFT-I fibres in their m. longissimus dorsi.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The findings suggest that the deep epaxial muscles, m. psoas minor, and the diaphragm in horses probably have a role in postural stability. This conclusion is based on their MFT-I and II proportions, which are indicative of a postural stabilising role.
  • By contrast, the psoas major, iliocostalis, longissimus dorsi, and hind limb muscles, with their high proportion of MFT-II fibres, appear to have a locomotory role.
  • Understanding the distribution of muscle fibre types in these key muscular areas can help guide the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of muscle or neuromotor dysfunctions in horses. This has clinical implications for equine health care, suggesting areas to target for therapies or training to enhance performance or treat muscular issues.

Cite This Article

APA
Hyytiäinen HK, Mykkänen AK, Hielm-Björkman AK, Stubbs NC, McGowan CM. (2014). Muscle fibre type distribution of the thoracolumbar and hindlimb regions of horses: relating fibre type and functional role. Acta Vet Scand, 56(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-56-8

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 1
Pages: 8

Researcher Affiliations

Hyytiäinen, Heli K
    Mykkänen, Anna K
      Hielm-Björkman, Anna K
        Stubbs, Narelle C
          McGowan, Catherine M
          • Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst CH64 7TE, UK. cmcgowan@liverpool.ac.uk.

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Female
          • Hindlimb / metabolism
          • Horses / genetics
          • Horses / physiology
          • Lumbosacral Region / physiology
          • Male
          • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
          • Myosin Heavy Chains / metabolism
          • Protein Isoforms / metabolism

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          This article has been cited 9 times.
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