Skeletal muscle histology and biochemistry of an elite sprinter, the African cheetah.
Abstract: To establish a skeletal muscle profile for elite sprinters, we obtained muscle biopsy samples from the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius and soleus of African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Muscle ultrastructure was characterized by the fiber type composition and mitochondrial volume density of each sample. Maximum enzyme activity, myoglobin content and mixed fiber metabolite content were used to assess the major biochemical pathways. The results demonstrate a preponderance of fast-twitch fibers in the locomotor muscles of cheetahs; 83% of the total number of fibers examined in the vastus lateralis and nearly 61% of the gastrocnemius were comprised of fast-twitch fibers. The total mitochondrial volume density of the limb muscles ranged from 2.0 to 3.9% for two wild cheetahs. Enzyme activities reflected the sprinting capability of the cheetah. Maximum activities for pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in the vastus lateralis were 1519.00 +/- 203.60 and 1929.25 +/- 482.35 mumol min-1.g wet wt-1, respectively, and indicated a high capacity for glycolysis. This study demonstrates that the locomotor muscles of cheetahs are poised for anaerobically based exercise. Fiber type composition, mitochondrial content and glycolytic enzyme capacities in the locomotor muscles of these sprinting cats are at the extreme range of values for other sprinters bred or trained for this activity including greyhounds, thoroughbred horses and elite human athletes.
Publication Date: 1997-12-24 PubMed ID: 9404014DOI: 10.1007/s003600050105Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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The research article presents a comprehensive study of the skeletal muscle profile of African cheetahs which are known for their elite sprinting abilities. The key findings reveal that cheetahs possess a high concentration of fast-twitch muscle fibers and a large capacity for glycolysis, revealing their reliance on anaerobic processes for sprinting.
Muscle Biopsy and Fiber Typing
- The researchers conducted a muscle biopsy, a type of sampling procedure, on the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).
- They evaluated the muscle ultrastructure by examining the fiber type composition and mitochondrial volume density in the samples.
- The findings indicated a prevalence of rapid-twitch fibers (also known as type II muscle fibers) in cheetahs’ locomotor muscles. Specifically, these fibers constituted 83% of the total in the vastus lateralis and almost 61% in the gastrocnemius muscle.
Muscle Biochemistry Analysis
- The metabolic potential of the muscle fibers was assessed by evaluating the maximum enzyme activity, myoglobin content and mixed fiber metabolite content.
- Enzyme readings like that for pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase highlighted a high capacity for glycolysis, an anaerobic process that breaks down glucose molecules for energy.
Mitochondrial Volume Density
- In addition to fiber typing and biochemical analysis, the mitochondrial volume density of the limb muscles was investigated. This measurement ranged from 2.0 to 3.9% in two wild cheetahs.
These results demonstrate that the cheetahs’ muscle characteristics are highly adapted for short, intense bouts of anaerobic activity, such as sprinting. The researchers note that the composition and function of cheetahs’ muscle fiber, mitochondrial content, and glycolytic enzyme capacities are at the extreme range when compared to other species known for sprinting, including greyhounds, thoroughbred horses, and elite human athletes.
Cite This Article
APA
Williams TM, Dobson GP, Mathieu-Costello O, Morsbach D, Worley MB, Phillips JA.
(1997).
Skeletal muscle histology and biochemistry of an elite sprinter, the African cheetah.
J Comp Physiol B, 167(8), 527-535.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s003600050105 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz 95064, USA. williams@darwin.ucsc.edu
MeSH Terms
- Acinonyx / anatomy & histology
- Acinonyx / metabolism
- Animals
- Dogs
- Glycolysis
- Horses
- Humans
- Locomotion
- Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch / ultrastructure
- Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
- Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal / ultrastructure
- Pyruvate Kinase / metabolism
- Sports
Grant Funding
- SPO1 17331 / CSAP SAMHSA HHS
Citations
This article has been cited 13 times.- Castro AA, Garland T, Ahmed S, Holt NC. Trade-offs in muscle physiology in selectively bred high runner mice.. J Exp Biol 2022 Dec 1;225(23).
- Spainhower KB, Metz AK, Yusuf AS, Johnson LE, Avey-Arroyo JA, Butcher MT. Coming to grips with life upside down: how myosin fiber type and metabolic properties of sloth hindlimb muscles contribute to suspensory function.. J Comp Physiol B 2021 Jan;191(1):207-224.
- Kohn TA. Insights into the skeletal muscle characteristics of three southern African antelope species.. Biol Open 2014 Oct 17;3(11):1037-44.
- Wilson JW, Mills MG, Wilson RP, Peters G, Mills ME, Speakman JR, Durant SM, Bennett NC, Marks NJ, Scantlebury M. Cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus, balance turn capacity with pace when chasing prey.. Biol Lett 2013 Oct 23;9(5):20130620.
- West TG, Toepfer CN, Woledge RC, Curtin NA, Rowlerson A, Kalakoutis M, Hudson P, Wilson AM. Power output of skinned skeletal muscle fibres from the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).. J Exp Biol 2013 Aug 1;216(Pt 15):2974-82.
- Kohn TA, Noakes TD. Lion (Panthera leo) and caracal (Caracal caracal) type IIx single muscle fibre force and power exceed that of trained humans.. J Exp Biol 2013 Mar 15;216(Pt 6):960-9.
- Curry JW, Hohl R, Noakes TD, Kohn TA. High oxidative capacity and type IIx fibre content in springbok and fallow deer skeletal muscle suggest fast sprinters with a resistance to fatigue.. J Exp Biol 2012 Nov 15;215(Pt 22):3997-4005.
- Williams CL, Sato K, Shiomi K, Ponganis PJ. Muscle energy stores and stroke rates of emperor penguins: implications for muscle metabolism and dive performance.. Physiol Biochem Zool 2012 Mar-Apr;85(2):120-33.
- Robson AA, Chauvaud L, Wilson RP, Halsey LG. Small actions, big costs: the behavioural energetics of a commercially important invertebrate.. J R Soc Interface 2012 Jul 7;9(72):1486-98.
- Franzini-Armstrong C, Boncompagni S. The evolution of the mitochondria-to-calcium release units relationship in vertebrate skeletal muscles.. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011;2011:830573.
- Hudson PE, Corr SA, Payne-Davis RC, Clancy SN, Lane E, Wilson AM. Functional anatomy of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) forelimb.. J Anat 2011 Apr;218(4):375-85.
- Myatt JP, Schilling N, Thorpe SK. Distribution patterns of fibre types in the triceps surae muscle group of chimpanzees and orangutans.. J Anat 2011 Apr;218(4):402-12.
- Prewitt JS, Freistroffer DV, Schreer JF, Hammill MO, Burns JM. Postnatal development of muscle biochemistry in nursing harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups: limitations to diving behavior?. J Comp Physiol B 2010 Jun;180(5):757-66.
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