Myosin heavy chain mRNA transform to faster isoforms in immobilized skeletal muscle: a quantitative PCR study

Single Muscle Immobilization Decreases Single-Fibre Myosin Heavy Chain Polymorphism: Possible Involvement of p38 and JNK MAP Kinases

PURPOSE

Muscle contractile phenotype is affected during immobilization. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms are the major determinant of the muscle contractile phenotype. We therefore sought to evaluate the effects of muscle immobilization on both the MHC composition at single-fibre level and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), a family of intracellular signaling pathways involved in the stress-induced muscle plasticity.

METHODS

The distal tendon of female Wistar rat Peroneus Longus (PL) was cut and fixed to the adjacent bone at neutral muscle length. Four weeks after the surgery, immobilized and contralateral PL were dissociated and the isolated fibres were sampled to determine MHC composition. Protein kinase 38 (p38), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and c-Jun- NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylations were measured in 6- and 15-day immobilized and contralateral PL.

RESULTS

MHC distribution in immobilized PL was as follows: I = 0%, IIa = 11.8 ± 2.8%, IIx = 53.0 ± 6.1%, IIb = 35.3 ± 7.3% and I = 6.1 ± 3.9%, IIa = 22.1 ± 3.4%, IIx = 46.6 ± 4.5%, IIb = 25.2 ± 6.6% in contralateral muscle. The MHC composition in immobilized muscle is consistent with a faster contractile phenotype according to the Hill's model of the force-velocity relationship. Immobilized and contralateral muscles displayed a polymorphism index of 31.1% (95% CI 26.1-36.0) and 39.3% (95% CI 37.0-41.5), respectively. Significant increases in p38 and JNK phosphorylation were observed following 6 and 15 days of immobilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Single muscle immobilization at neutral length induces a shift of MHC composition toward a faster contractile phenotype and decreases the polymorphic profile of single fibres. Activation of p38 and JNK could be a potential mechanism involved in these contractile phenotype modifications during muscle immobilization.

Association Analysis of Myosin Heavy-chain Genes mRNA Transcription with the Corresponding Proteins Expression of Longissimus Muscle in Growing Pigs

The goal of this work was to investigate the correlations between MyHC mRNA transcription and their corresponding protein expressions in porcine longissimus muscle (LM) during postnatal growth of pigs. Five DLY (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) crossbred pigs were selected, slaughtered and sampled at postnatal 7, 30, 60, 120, and 180 days, respectively. Each muscle was subjected to quantity MyHCs protein contents through an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to quantity myosin heavy-chains (MyHCs) mRNA abundances using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We calculated the proportion (%) of each MyHC to total of four MyHC for two levels, respectively. Moreover, the activities of several key energy metabolism enzymes were determined in LM. The result showed that mRNA transcription and protein expression of MyHC I, IIa, IIx and IIb in LM all presented some obvious changes with postnatal aging of pigs, especially at the early stage after birth, and their mRNA transcriptions were easy to be influenced than their protein expressions. The relative proportion of each MyHC mRNA was significantly positively related to that of its corresponding protein (p<0.01), and MyHC I mRNA proportion was positively correlated with creatine kinase (CK), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities (p<0.05). These data suggested that MyHC mRNA transcription can be used to reflect MyHC expression, metabolism property and adaptive plasticity of porcine skeletal muscles, and MyHC mRNA composition could be a molecular index reflecting muscle fiber type characteristics.

Interrelationship between bone substitution materials and skeletal muscle tissue

Bone density and quantity are primary conditions for the insertion and stability of dental implants. In cases of a lack of adequate maxillary or mandibulary bone, bone augmentation will be necessary. The use of synthetic bioactive bone substitution materials is of increasing importance as alternatives to autogenously bone grafts. It is well known that bone can influence muscle function and muscle function can influence bone structures. Muscles have a considerable potential of adaptation and muscle tissue surrounding an inserted implant or bone surrogate can integrate changes in mechanical load of the muscle and hereupon induce signaling cascades with protein synthesis and arrangement of the cytoskeleton. The Musculus latissimus dorsi is very often used for the analyses of the in vivo biocompatibility of newly designed biomaterials. Beside macroscopically and histologically examination, biocompatibility can be assessed by analyses of the biomaterial influence of gene expression. This review discusses changes in the fiber type distribution, myosin heavy chain isoform composition, histological appearance and vascularization of the skeletal muscle after implantation of bone substitution materials. Especially, the effects of bone surrogates should be described at the molecular-biological and cellular level.

Muscle immobilization and remobilization downregulates PGC-1α signaling and the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway

Prolonged immobilization (IM) results in skeletal muscle atrophy accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inflammation, and protein degradation. However, the biological consequence of remobilizing such muscle has been studied only sparsely. In this study, we examined the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)-controlled mitochondrial biogenesis pathway and inflammatory response in mice subjected to 2 wk of hindlimb IM followed by 5 days of remobilization (RM). We hypothesized that ROS generation and activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways play important roles in the etiology of muscle injury. FVB/N mice (age 2 mo) were randomly assigned to either 14 days of IM by casting one of the hindlimbs ( n = 7), IM followed by 5 days of RM with casting removed ( n = 7), or to a control group (Con; n = 7). Muscle to body weight ratios of three major leg muscles were significantly decreased as a result of IM. Two ubiquitin-proteasome pathway enzymes, muscle atrophy F-box (MAFb or atrogin-1) and muscle ring finger-1 (MuRF-1), were upregulated with IM and maintained at high levels during RM. Protein contents of PGC-1α and nuclear respiratory factors 1 and 2 in tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were reduced by 50% ( P < 0.01) in IM vs. Con, with no recovery observed during RM. IM suppressed mitochondrial transcription factor A and cytochrome- c content by 57% and 63% ( P < 0.01), respectively, and cytochrome- c oxidase activity by 58% ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, mitochondrial DNA content was reduced by 71% ( P < 0.01) with IM. None of these changes were reversed after RM. With RM, TA muscle showed a 2.3-fold ( P < 0.05) higher H2O2 content and a 4-fold ( P < 0.01) higher 8-isoprostane content compared with Con, indicating oxidative stress. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels in TA muscle were 4- and 3-fold higher ( P < 0.05), respectively, in IM and RM vs. CON. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway activation was observed only after RM, but not after IM alone. These data indicate an increase in ROS generation during the initial phase of muscle RM that could activate the NF-κB pathway, and elicit inflammation and oxidative stress. These events may hinder muscle recovery from IM-induced mitochondrial deterioration and protein loss.

Comparison of Myosin Heavy Chain mRNAs, Protein Isoforms and Fiber Type Proportions in the Rat Slow and Fast Muscles

We studied the expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms at mRNA and protein levels as well as fiber type composition in the fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow soleus (SOL) twitch muscles of adult inbred Lewis strain rats. Comparison of the results from Real Time RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and fiber type analysis showed corresponding proportions of MyHC transcripts (MyHC-1, -2a, -2x/d, -2b), protein isoforms (MyHC-1, -2a, -2x/d, -2b) and fiber types (type 1, 2A, 2X/D, 2B) in both muscles. Furthermore, we found that slow MyHC-1 mRNA expression in the SOL was up to three orders higher than that of fast MyHC transcripts. This finding can explain the predominance of MyHC-1 isoform and fiber type 1 and the absence of pure 2X/D and 2B fibers in the SOL muscle. Based on our data presenting quantitative evidence of corresponding proportions between mRNA level, protein content and fiber type composition, we suggest that the Real Time RT-PCR technique can be used as a routine method for analysis of muscle composition changes and could be advantageous for the analysis of scant biological samples such as muscle biopsies in humans.

Role of PGC-1α signaling in skeletal muscle health and disease

This paper reviews the current understanding of the molecular basis of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)-mediated pathway and discusses the role of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle atrophy caused by immobilization. PGC-1α is the master transcription regulator that stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, by upregulating nuclear respiratory factors (NRF-1, 2) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), which leads to increased mitochondrial DNA replication and gene transcription. PGC-1α also regulates cellular oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis by stimulating the gene expression of superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2), catalase, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), and uncoupling protein (UCP). Recent reports from muscle-specific PGC-1α overexpression underline the importance of PGC-1α in atrophied skeletal muscle, demonstrate enhancement of the PGC-1α mitochondrial biogenic pathway, and reduced oxidative damage. Thus, PGC-1α appears to play a protective role against atrophy-linked skeletal muscle deterioration.

Muscle-fibre types in porcine longissimus muscle of different genotypes and their association with the status of energy metabolism

To study the difference in muscle-fibre types in porcine muscle among different genotypes and its association with energy metabolism, composition of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) mRNA and energy metabolism indices were determined in the longissimus muscle (LM). Pig breeds included Jinhua (JHP), Zhongbai (ZBP), Duroc × Zhongbai cross (DZP) and Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace cross (DYL). JHP pigs were found to have the highest proportions of MyHC I, IIa and IIx mRNA (P < 0.05), creatine kinase (CK) activity (P < 0.05) and the lowest glycolytic potential (GP) compared with the other genotypes. The proportions of MyHC I and IIa mRNA increased in the order of DYL < DZP < ZBP < JHP, whereas the trend was opposite for MyHC IIb mRNA. The proportions of MyHC I, IIa and IIx mRNA were positively correlated with CK activity and the turnover ratio of creatine phosphate (CP) (P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with GP, glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) and lactate (LA) contents (P < 0.01), with the trends being opposite for MyHC IIb mRNA. The results indicate that muscle-fibre type in porcine LM is influenced by the genetic background of pigs. For example, JHP pigs had more of Types I, IIa and IIx fibres than did other genotypes. Proportions of Types I, IIa and IIx fibres were positively correlated with CK reaction (ATP-CP) capacity and negatively correlated with GP. These data provide some evidence for exploring the effective mechanism of muscle-fibre type on pork quality.

Quantitative PCR analysis of laryngeal muscle fiber types

Voice and swallowing dysfunction as a result of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis can be improved with vocal fold injections or laryngeal framework surgery. However, denervation atrophy can cause late-term clinical failure. A major determinant of skeletal muscle physiology is myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression, and previous protein analyses have shown changes in laryngeal muscle fiber MyHC isoform with denervation. RNA analyses in this setting have not been performed, and understanding RNA levels will allow interventions better designed to reverse processes such as denervation in the future. Total RNA was extracted from bilateral rat thyroarytenoid (TA), posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA), and cricothyroid (CT) muscles in rats. Primers were designed using published MyHC isoform sequences. SYBR Green real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (SYBR-RT-PCR) was used for quantification. The electropherogram showed a clear separation of total RNA to 28S and 18S subunits. Melting curves illustrated single peaks for all type MyHC primers. All MyHC isoforms were identified in all muscles with various degrees of expression. Quantitative PCR is a sensitive method to detect MyHC isoforms in laryngeal muscle. Isoform expression using mRNA analysis was similar to previous analyses but showed some important differences. This technique can be used to quantitatively assess response to interventions targeted to maintain muscle bulk after denervation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

(1) Readers will be able to describe the relationship between myosin heavy chain expression and muscle contractile properties. (2) Readers will be able to separate myosin heavy chain isoforms into slow and fast twitch phenotypes. (3) Readers will be able to describe differential muscle isoform expression between different laryngeal muscles. (4) Readers will be able to compare this study to other modalities of determining muscle fiber type.

Limb immobilization induces a coordinate down-regulation of mitochondrial and other metabolic pathways in men and women

Advancements in animal models and cell culture techniques have been invaluable in the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate muscle atrophy. However, few studies have examined muscle atrophy in humans using modern experimental techniques. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in global gene transcription during immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in humans and then explore the effects of the most prominent transcriptional alterations on protein expression and function. Healthy men and women (N = 24) were subjected to two weeks of unilateral limb immobilization, with muscle biopsies obtained before, after 48 hours (48 H) and 14 days (14 D) of immobilization. Muscle cross sectional area (∼5%) and strength (10–20%) were significantly reduced in men and women (∼5% and 10–20%, respectively) after 14 D of immobilization. Micro-array analyses of total RNA extracted from biopsy samples at 48 H and 14 D uncovered 575 and 3,128 probes, respectively, which were significantly altered during immobilization. As a group, genes involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics and carbohydrate metabolism were predominant features at both 48 H and 14 D, with genes involved in protein synthesis and degradation significantly down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, at 14 D of muscle atrophy. There was also a significant decrease in the protein content of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, and the enzyme activity of cytochrome c oxidase and citrate synthase after 14 D of immobilization. Furthermore, protein ubiquitination was significantly increased at 48 H but not 14 D of immobilization. These results suggest that transcriptional and post-transcriptional suppression of mitochondrial processes is sustained throughout 14 D of immobilization, while protein ubiquitination plays an early but transient role in muscle atrophy following short-term immobilization in humans.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction to follow the response of muscle to training

The adaptive response of muscle to changes in activity or loading can take many weeks. Changes in the levels of RNA within a muscle fiber can give an early indication of the nature of the response of that fiber to changes in activity or loading. We have designed a new primer set for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that will allow us to follow these early transcriptional changes in rat muscle, and have shown that analysis can be performed by standard techniques on as little as 5 mg of muscle, an amount that can be obtained by needle biopsy.

[Cellular regulation of anabolism and catabolism in skeletal muscle during immobilisation, aging and critical illness]

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with situations of acute and chronical illness, such as sepsis, surgery, trauma and immobility. Additionally, it is a common problem during the physiological process of aging. The myofibrillar proteins myosin and actin, which are essential for muscle contraction, are the major targets during the process of protein degradation. This leads to a general loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and to increased muscle fatigue. In critically ill or immobile patients skeletal muscle atrophy is accompanied by enhanced inflammation, reduced wound healing, weaning complications and difficulties in mobilisation. During aging it results in falls, fractures, physical injuries and loss of mobility. Relating to the primary stimulators - hormones, muscle lengthening, stress, inflammation, neuronal activity - research is now focusing on the investigation of the signal transduction pathways, which influence protein synthesis and protein degradation during skeletal muscle atrophy.

Differentially expressed genes and morphological changes during lengthened immobilization in rat soleus muscle

To examine the effect of lengthened immobilization on the expression of genes and concomitant morphological changes in soleus muscle, rat hindlimbs were immobilized at the ankle in full dorsiflexion by plaster cast. After removing the muscle (after 1 hr, 1, 4, and 7 days of immobilization), morphology and differential gene expression were analyzed through electron microscopy and differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR), respectively. At the myotendinous junction (MTJ), a large cytoplasmic space appeared after 1 hr of immobilization and became enlarged over time, together with damaged Z lines. Interfibrillar space was detected after 1 day of immobilization, but diminished after 7 days. At the muscle belly, Z-line streaming and widening were observed following 1 hr of immobilization. Disorganization of myofilaments (misalignment of adjacent sarcomeres, distortion, or absence of Z lines) was detected after 4 days. Furthermore, mitochondrial swelling and cristae disruption were observed after 1 day of stretching. A set of 15 differentially expressed candidate genes was identified through DDRT-PCR. Of 11 known genes, seven (Atp5g3, TOM22, INrf2, Slc25a4, Hdac6, Tpm1, and Sv2b) were up and three (Podxl, Myh1, and Surf1) were down-regulated following immobilization. In the case of Acyp2, 1-day stretching-specific expression was observed. Atp5g3, Slc25a4, TOM22, and Surf1 are mitochondrial proteins related to energy metabolism, except TOM22, which has a chaperone-like activity located in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Together with these, INrf2, Hdac6, Podxl, and Acyp2 are related more or less to stress-induced apoptosis, indicating the responses to apoptotic changes in mitochondria caused by stretching. The expression of both Tpm1 and Myh1, fast twitch isoforms, suggests adaption to the immobilization. These results altogether indicate that lengthened immobilization regulates the expression of several stress/apoptosis-related and muscle-specific genes responsible for the slow-to-fast transition in soleus muscle despite profound muscle atrophy.

The biochemical basis of the health effects of exercise: an integrative view

Physical inactivity–gene interactions result in changes in gene expression, leading to phenotypic changes in the skeletal muscle cell. A subpopulation of those genes that show changes in expression during physical inactivity are candidates for the environment–gene interactions that cross a threshold of biological significance such that overt clinical disease occurs. AMP kinase, GLUT4 and myosin heavy chain IIx are proposed as candidates for physical inactivity-modulated genes that have an altered function that may trigger a crossing of a threshold to disease. Future experiments will be needed to test the validity of the ideas presented.

Effects of artificial rearing on contractile properties of genioglossus muscle in Sprague–Dawley rat

Mammals suckle from a nipple during the early neonatal period to obtain nourishment. The genioglossus muscle helps position and move the tongue for efficient suckling. The purpose of this study was to examine the contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MHC) phenotype of the genioglossus following an early period of artificial rearing, which reduced nutritive suckling. Beginning at 3 days of age, rats were fed via gastric cannula until postnatal day 14 (P14). At P14, artificially reared rat pups were either allowed to grow to postnatal day 42 (P42) or anaesthetised and prepared for experimentation. Comparisons were made between artificially reared and dam reared groups at P14 and P42. At P14 maximum tetanic tension and fatigue index were lower in the artificially reared group than the dam reared group. By P42, artificially reared rats had a higher fatigue index and lower percentage of MHCIIa than dam reared rats. The artificial rearing technique employed in this study was adequate to produce chronic changes in fatigue resistance and MHC distribution in genioglossus muscle of rat; the changes observed here may be similar to changes that occur in premature human infants requiring early artificial feedings.

Regional changes in the masseter muscle of rats after reduction of blood supply

The masticatory musculature is an integral functional part of the stomatognathic system and influences craniofacial morphogenesis and morphology. This animal study aimed to investigate the morphological consequences of restricted regional blood supply to the m. masseter. A total of 20 adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout) were divided into an experimental group and a control group comprised of 10 animals respectively and kept under standardized conditions. The experimental group underwent a dextrolateral complete surgical ligation of the a. carotis communis and, after 5 weeks, specimens were taken from the masseters. The muscle samples were analyzed immunohistochemically for fiber distribution and capillary density. Analysis revealed a discrete increase in the proportion of type I fibers with a significant increase of capillary number per area. Although no agreement exists on the alterations occurring in chronically ischemic muscles, it may be assumed that chronic ischemia evokes histomorphological adaptation processes similar to endurance training effects.

Quantification by real-time PCR of developmental and adult myosin mRNA in rat muscles

A real-time RT-PCR assay using newly designed primers was developed to analyze developmental and adult MHC mRNA expression both in skeletal muscles and single fibers. Only 4 ng of total RNA was necessary for the analysis of the relative mRNA expression of MHC genes. Different validation steps were realized concerning both specificity and sensitivity of each primer set, and linearity and efficiency of each real-time PCR amplification. Then, quantification of MHC mRNA in neonatal and adult muscles as well as in single fibers was done by the deltaC(T) method, with CycA gene as the reference gene. Due to a higher sensitivity than that of a competitive PCR method, we demonstrated that this assay is suitable to study very low level of MHC mRNA expression as developmental MHC in adult muscle and to quantify mRNA from very small samples.

Disruption of either the Nfkb1 or the Bcl3 gene inhibits skeletal muscle atrophy

The intracellular signals that mediate skeletal muscle protein loss and functional deficits due to muscular disuse are just beginning to be elucidated. Previously we showed that the activity of an NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene was markedly increased in unloaded muscles, and p50 and Bcl-3 proteins were implicated in this induction. In the present study, mice with a knockout of the p105/p50 (Nfkb1) gene are shown to be resistant to the decrease in soleus fiber cross-sectional area that results from 10 days of hindlimb unloading. Furthermore, the marked unloading-induced activation of the NF-kappaB reporter gene in soleus muscles from WT mice was completely abolished in soleus muscles from Nfkb1 knockout mice. Knockout of the B cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl3) gene also showed an inhibition of fiber atrophy and an abolition of NF-kappaB reporter activity. With unloading, fast fibers from WT mice atrophied to a greater extent than slow fibers. Resistance to atrophy in both strains of knockout mice was demonstrated clearly in fast fibers, while slow fibers from only the Bcl3(-/-) mice showed atrophy inhibition. The slow-to-fast shift in myosin isoform expression due to unloading was also abolished in both Nfkb1 and Bcl3 knockout mice. Like the soleus muscles, plantaris muscles from Nfkb1(-/-) and Bcl3(-/-) mice also showed inhibition of atrophy with unloading. Thus both the Nfkb1 and the Bcl3 genes are necessary for unloading-induced atrophy and the associated phenotype transition.

Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 gene transfer on myosin heavy chains in denervated rat laryngeal muscle

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To determine whether the myotrophic activity of human insulin-like growth factor (hIGF)-1 promotes restoration of normal myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition after nerve injury, MHC composition was analyzed after hIGF-1 gene transfer in denervated rat laryngeal muscle.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal model to study effects of gene transfer on laryngeal paralysis.

METHODS

In anesthetized rats, the left recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves are cut and suture ligated. A midline thyrotomy is performed, and the thyroarytenoid muscle is injected with a polyvinyl-based formulation containing a muscle specific expression system and hIGF-1 DNA (treatment group) or saline (control group). After 30 days, animals were killed, and the thyroarytenoid muscle was removed and processed for sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Densitometric measurements were obtained to determine composition of MHCs.

RESULTS

As previously described, MHC composition in denervated laryngeal muscle was characterized by a decrease in type IIB and IIL and up-regulation of IIA/IIX. Compared with controls, hIGF-1 treated animals demonstrated a significant increase in expression of type IIB and IIL and a significant decrease in expression of type IIA/X.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the myotrophic effect of hIGF-1 gene transfer results in normalization of MHC composition in denervated muscle, with suppression of type IIA/X MHC and promotion of type IIL expression.

Expression profiling identifies dysregulation of myosin heavy chains IIb and IIx during limb immobilization in the soleus muscles of old rats

Aged individuals suffer from multiple dysfunctions during skeletal muscle atrophy. The purpose of this study was to determine differential changes in gene expression in atrophied soleus muscle induced by hindlimb immobilization in young (3-4 months) and old (30-31 months) rats. The hypothesis was that differentially expressed mRNAs with age-atrophy interactions would reveal candidates that induce loss of function responses in aged animals. Each muscle was applied to an independent set of Affymetrix micoarrays, with 385 differentially expressed mRNAs with atrophy and 354 age-atrophy interactions detected by two-factor ANOVA (alpha of 0.05 with a Bonferroni adjustment). Functional trends were observed for 23 and 15 probe sets involved in electron transport and the extracellular matrix, respectively, decreasing more in the young than in the old. Other functional categories with atrophy in both ages included chaperones, glutathione-S-transferases, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, reductions in Z-line-associated proteins and increases in probe sets for protein degradation. Surprisingly, myosin heavy chain IIb and IIx mRNAs were suppressed in the atrophied soleus muscle of old rats as opposed to the large increases in the young animals (16- and 25-fold, respectively, with microarrays, and 61- and 68-fold, respectively, with real-time PCR). No significant changes were observed in myosin heavy chain IIb and IIx mRNA with micoarrays in the atrophied soleus muscles of old rats, but they were found to increase six- and fivefold, respectively, with real-time PCR. Therefore, deficiencies in pre-translational signals that normally upregulate myosin heavy chain IIb and IIx mRNAs during atrophy may exist in the soleus muscle of old animals.

Expression of a calpastatin transgene slows muscle wasting and obviates changes in myosin isoform expression during murine muscle disuse

Muscle wasting is a prominent feature of several systemic diseases, neurological damage and muscle disuse. The contribution of calpain proteases to muscle wasting in any instance of muscle injury or disease has remained unknown because of the inability to specifically perturb calpain activity in vivo. We have generated a transgenic mouse with muscle-specific overexpression of calpastatin, which is the endogenous inhibitor of calpains, and induced muscle atrophy by unloading hindlimb musculature for 10 days. Expression of the transgene resulted in increases in calpastatin concentration in muscle by 30- to 50-fold, and eliminated all calpain activity that was detectable on zymograms. Muscle fibres in ambulatory, transgenic mice were smaller in diameter, but more numerous, so that muscle mass did not differ between transgenic and non-transgenic mice. This is consistent with the role of the calpain-calpastatin system in muscle cell fusion that has been observed in vitro. Overexpression of calpastatin reduced muscle atrophy by 30 % during the 10 day unloading period. In addition, calpastatin overexpression completely prevented the shift in myofibrillar myosin content from slow to fast isoforms, which normally occurs in muscle unloading. These findings indicate that therapeutics directed toward regulating the calpain-calpastatin system may be beneficial in preventing muscle mass loss in muscle injury and disease.

Alteration in albumin level during modified muscular activity

We have previously reported that albumin protein is increased in the atrophied muscle induced by hindlimb immobilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of several disuse models on albumin protein and mRNA levels in mice skeletal muscle and to investigate whether the elevated amount of albumin returns to control level by muscular activity increased by hindlimb remobilization. Western blot analysis revealed that hindlimb immobilization, denervation, and tenotomy, except for hindlimb unloading, significantly increased albumin levels in soleus muscles by 2.1-, 1.9- and 2.0-fold, respectively (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that albumin protein accumulates in the widened extracellular space. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay revealed albumin gene expression to be downregulated in all disuse models relative to control level. During hindlimb remobilization, the amounts of albumin protein appeared to remain higher level after 3 and 7 days and had returned to control level after 14 days and muscle mass, the amounts of myosin heavy chain, and actin proteins seemed to restore control levels after 21 days. These results indicate that the amount of interstitial albumin protein may be modulated by muscular activity.

Quantifying the temporospatial expression of postnatal porcine skeletal myosin heavy chain genes

Postnatal skeletal muscle fiber type is commonly defined by one of four major myosin heavy chain (MyHC) gene isoforms (slow/I, 2a, 2x, and 2b) that are expressed. We report on the novel use of combined TaqMan quantitative real-time RT-PCR and image analysis of serial porcine muscle sections, subjected to in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunocytochemistry (IHC), to quantify the mRNA expression of each MyHC isoform within its corresponding fiber type, termed relative fiber type-restricted expression. This versatile approach will allow quantitative temporospatial comparisons of each MyHC isoform among muscles from the same or different individuals. Using this approach on porcine skeletal muscles, we found that the relative fiber type-restricted expression of each postnatal MyHC gene showed wide spatial and temporal variation within a given muscle and between muscles. Marked differences were also observed among pig breeds. Notably, of the four postnatal MyHC isoforms, the 2a MyHC gene showed the highest relative fiber type-restricted expression in each muscle examined, regardless of age, breed, or muscle type. This suggests that although 2a fibers are a minor fiber type, they may be disproportionately more important as a determinant of overall muscle function than was previously believed.

Skeletal muscle adaptations following spinal cord contusion injury in rat and the relationship to locomotor function: a time course study

Experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) via contusion of moderate severity results in residual locomotor deficits, including a lack of coordination and trunk stability. Given that muscle contractile properties and fiber composition adapt to reduced neural input and/or weight bearing, contusion-induced locomotor deficits may reflect changes in hindlimb skeletal muscle. Therefore, we examined muscle adaptations during early (1 week), intermediate (3 week), and late (10 week) stages of motor recovery after moderate SCI. Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats underwent SCI via 1.1mm cord displacement with the OSU impact device or served as age and weight-matched or laminectomy controls. Subsets of rats had soleus (SOL) in vitro physiological testing or SOL and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) myosin heavy chain (MHC) fiber type analysis. At 1 week post-SCI during paralysis/paresis, a significant decrease in wet weight occurred in the plantaris, medial/lateral gastrocnemius (MG/LG), tibialis anterior, and SOL. Changes in contractile properties of the SOL did not accompany muscle wet weight changes. By 3 weeks, the loss of weight-bearing activity early after SCI induced significant decreases in SOL peak twitch and peak tetanic tension as well as significantly greater IIx MHC expression in the EDL. By 10 weeks post-SCI, after several weeks of weight supported stepping, muscle wet weight, contractile properties and MHC composition returned to baseline levels except for MG/LG atrophy. Thus, muscle plasticity appears to be extremely sensitive to locomotor deficits and their resolution after moderate spinal cord contusion.

Modulation of myosin heavy chains in rat laryngeal muscle

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition is a biological marker indicative of appropriate and functional reinnervation.

STUDY DESIGN

Age-matched adult rats were randomized for prospective study under three experimental conditions.

METHODS

In adult rats, three experimental conditions were surgically created, including transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) crush injury, RLN transection and repair, and cricoarytenoid joint fixation with intact RLN. Animals were survived for 30, 90, and 180 days. At each interval, vocal fold mobility was assessed by rigid microlaryngoscopy. Laryngeal electromyography (EMG) was performed before euthanasia. The thyroarytenoid and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles were then excised, each muscle was processed for sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and MHC composition was determined.

RESULTS

Thirty days after nerve crush injury, three of six animals regained vocal fold mobility and normal MHC composition. Impaired vocal fold motion in three of six animals was associated with MHC composition characteristic of denervation. At 90 and 180 days, normal vocal fold motion and normal MHC composition were observed in all animals. Following nerve transection and repair, impaired vocal fold motion and MHC composition characteristic of denervation were observed in all animals, despite evidence of reinnervation on EMG. Following joint fixation, alteration in MHC composition consistent with denervation was observed only at 30 days, as was evident in the nerve crush model.

CONCLUSION

Temporary injury and vocal fold immobilization result in transient shifts in MHC composition. Nerve transection and repair result in persistent alteration of MHC composition and vocal fold dysfunction. The expression of normal MHC composition is dependent on the condition of appropriate neural contact and functional reinnervation.

Ethanol infusion increases ANP and p21 gene expression in isolated perfused rat heart

Whether alcohol-induced heart failure is caused by a direct toxic effect of ethanol, metabolites, or whether it is a secondary result of neurohumoral, hormonal, or nutritional factors is not clear. To address this question a Langendorff retrograde coronary perfusion model of rat heart was used to study the effect of 0.5% (v/v) ethanol (n = 7) and 0.5 mM acetaldehyde (n = 9) on left ventricular expression of ANP, BNP, p53, p21, TNF-alpha,bax, bcl-2 as well as on DNA-fragmentation. Ethanol infusion of 150 min duration significantly induced both ANP and p21 mRNA expression of ventricular myocardium compared with hearts infused with vehicle (n = 8). Acetaldehyde did not exert any significant effects on any of the parameters studied, although the mean expression of TNF-alpha tended to be lower in the acetaldehyde-treated hearts than in control hearts. No evidence of increased DNA-fragmentation was found in ethanol or acetaldehyde treated groups. We conclude that ethanol per se is capable of inducing genes associated with hypertrophy and impaired function of the heart whereas a significant apoptosis is not involved in the initial phase of alcohol-induced cardiac injury.

Quadriceps muscle wasting persists 5 months after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the hip: a pilot study

AIMS

To determine whether additional muscle fibre wasting of the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle occurs in the early postoperative period after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the hip and whether there is an improvement in preoperative measures of quadriceps muscle thickness, strength, pain and function over a 5-month postoperative period.

METHODS

Twelve patients had ipsilateral needle quadriceps biopsy for muscle morphology and bilateral quadriceps muscle thickness ultrasound preoperatively, 5 days and 4 weeks postoperatively and a further muscle thickness measurement at 5 months. Seven additional patients and five age-matched control subjects had bilateral quadriceps muscle ultrasound thickness preoperatively, 6 weeks and 5 months postoperatively, with assessment of quadriceps muscle dynamometry, pain scores and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, all 19 patients demonstrated significant atrophy of the ipsilateral compared with the contralateral quadriceps muscle (P = 1.8 x 10(-7)) on muscle ultrasound, which persisted at 5 months follow up (P = 0.009). Muscle morphology preoperatively showed type 2A and 2B muscle fibre atrophy on needle muscle biopsy, with further atrophy of all three fibre types (P = 0.029) at 5 days postoperatively associated with a fibre type shift from type 1 to 2A fibres (P = 0.0011) at 1 month. There was improvement in hip pain postoperatively and a significant improvement in the TUG test (P = 0.007). However, there was no improvement in muscle strength on dynamometry.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant ipsilateral quadriceps atrophy and weakness with 2A and 2B fibre atrophy preoperatively in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip with exacerbation and further atrophy of all three fibre types 5 days postoperatively. Postoperative follow up showed that the reduction in ipsilateral quadriceps muscle thickness persisted at 5 months despite physical rehabilitation. Patients did note significant improvement in pain postoperatively and improvement on functional assessment with the TUG test. Other therapeutic strategies may have to be developed to reverse disuse muscle atrophy.

Quantitative changes in the mRNA for contractile proteins and metabolic enzymes in masseter muscle of bite-opened rats

To study the effects of bite opening on the fibre phenotypes of rat masseter, the mRNAs of four predominant myosin heavy-chain isoforms (MHC I, IIa, IId/x and IIb) and two alkali light-chain isoforms (LC1f and 3f) as well as those of two metabolic enzymes, carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII, oxidative enzyme) and glucose-phosphate isomerase (GPI, glycolytic enzyme), were measured in relation to the total RNA of masseter muscle by competitive, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in control and bite-opened rats. Bite opening (2.8 mm increase in the vertical dimension for 1 week) significantly (P<0.05) increased the amount of MHC IIa mRNA but decreased (P<0.001) the amount of MHC IIb mRNA without changing the amount of MHC IId/x mRNA. No MHC I mRNA was found in any masseter studied. A significant (P<0.01) increase in the mRNA of LC1f associated with a decrease (P<0.05) in that of LC3f was observed after the bite opening. The CAIII mRNA increased significantly (P<0.001), while the GPI mRNA decreased (P<0.05) in association with the bite opening. These results strongly suggest that in 1 week of bite opening changes the rat masseter muscle from a glycolytic, MHC IIb-LC3f-dominant fibre to an oxidative, MHC IIa-LC1f-dominant fibre.

Myosin isoforms, muscle fiber types, and transitions

Skeletal muscle is an extremely heterogeneous tissue composed of a variety of fast and slow fiber types and subtypes. Moreover, muscle fibers are versatile entities capable of adjusting their phenotypic properties in response to altered functional demands. Major differences between muscle fiber types relate to their myosin complement, i.e., isoforms of myosin light and heavy chains. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms appear to represent the most appropriate markers for fiber type delineation. On this basis, pure fiber types are characterized by the expression of a single MHC isoform, whereas hybrid fiber type express two or more MHC isoforms. Hybrid fibers bridge the gap between the pure fiber types. The fiber population of skeletal muscles, thus, encompasses a continuum of pure and hybrid fiber types. Under certain conditions, changes can be induced in MHC isoform expression heading in the direction of either fast-to-slow or slow-to-fast. Increased neuromuscular activity, mechanical loading, and hypothyroidism are conditions that induce fast-to-slow transitions, whereas reduced neuromuscular activity, mechanical unloading, and hyperthyroidism cause transitions in the slow-to-fast direction.

Myosin heavy chain mRNA and protein distribution in immobilized rat skeletal muscle are not affected by testosterone status

The effects of testosterone treatment and gonadectomy on myosin heavy chain (MHC) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression after 1 week's immobilization were studied in male rat gastrocnemius muscle. In the testosterone-treated group silastic testosterone capsules were implanted subcutaneously before immobilization. The gonadectomized animals were castrated at 5 weeks of age. One group of eugonadal animals served as the immobilized control group, and another as the sedentary control group. Immobilization was performed at 9 weeks of age by bilateral hindlimb casting. The body and muscle masses, and the amount of type IIa MHC mRNA decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the immobilized animals by approximately 30, 40 and 50%, respectively, regardless of the serum testosterone levels which ranged from 1.1+/- 0.4 to 59+/-14 nmol L(-1). In the immobilized testosterone-treated group the proportion of type IIx MHC mRNA increased to 14% of the total MHC mRNA (P=0.02, compared with control). The MHC protein distribution did not change significantly. There were no significant differences in any parameters between the three immobilized groups. In conclusion, neither the lack nor excess of testosterone significantly altered the changes caused by immobilization. Therefore, it seems that lack of mechanical loading is a far more important determinant of MHC expression than the male sex hormone status.

Myosin heavy chain isoform expression following reduced neuromuscular activity: potential regulatory mechanisms

In this review, the adaptations in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression induced by chronic reductions in neuromuscular activity (including electrical activation and load bearing) of the intact neuromuscular unit are summarized and evaluated. Several different animal models and human clinical conditions of reduced neuromuscular activity are categorized based on the manner and extent to which they alter the levels of electrical activation and load bearing, resulting in three main categories of reduced activity. These are: 1) reduced activation and load bearing (including spinal cord injury, spinal cord transection, and limb immobilization with the muscle in a shortened position); 2) reduced loading (including spaceflight, hindlimb unloading, bed rest, and unilateral limb unloading); and 3) inactivity (including spinal cord isolation and blockage of motoneuron action potential conduction by tetrodotoxin). All of the models discussed resulted in increased expression of fast MHC isoforms at the protein and/or mRNA levels in slow and fast muscles (with the possible exception of unilateral limb unloading in humans). However, the specific fast MHC isoforms that are induced (usually the MHC-IIx isoform in slow muscle and the MHC-IIb isoform in fast muscle) and the degree and rate of adaptation are dependent upon the animal species and the specific model or condition that is being studied. Recent studies designed to elucidate the mechanisms by which electrical activation and load bearing alter expression of MHC isoforms at the cellular and genetic levels are also reviewed. Two main mechanisms have been proposed, the myogenin:MyoD and calcineurin:NF-AT pathways. Collectively, the data suggest that the regulation of MHC isoform expression involves a complex interaction of multiple control mechanisms including the myogenin:MyoD and calcineurin:NF-AT pathways; however, other intracellular signaling pathways are likely to contribute.

Myosin heavy chains in fibers of TTX-paralyzed rat soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles

The expression of five myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms was analyzed in the rat soleus (Sol) and the deep and superficial medial gastrocnemius (dGM, sGM) muscle after 2 and 4 wk of TTX paralysis by using immunohistochemical techniques. In Sol, after 4 wk of paralysis, fibers containing type I MHC were either pure type I (14%) or also contained developmental (D; 76%), IIa (26%), or IIx (18%) MHC. Values for corresponding fibers in dGM were 8.5, 65, 38, and 22%. Also, by 4 wk an increase was seen in the proportions of fibers expressing IIa MHC in Sol (from 16 to 38%) and dGM (from 24 to 74%). In a region of sGM in control muscles containing pure IIb fibers, a major proportion (86%) remained pure after 4 wk of paralysis, with the remainder coexpressing IIb and IIx. The results indicate that TTX-induced muscle paralysis results in an increase in fibers containing multiple MHC isoforms and that the D isoform appears in a major proportion of these hybrid fibers.

Time-dependent changes in myosin heavy chain mRNA and protein isoforms in unloaded soleus muscle of rat

Time-dependent changes in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression were investigated in rat soleus muscle unloaded by hindlimb suspension. Changes at the mRNA level were measured by RT-PCR and correlated with changes in the pattern of MHC protein isoforms. Protein analyses of whole muscle revealed that MHCI decreased after 7 days, when MHCIIa had increased, reaching a transient maximum by 15 days. Longer periods led to inductions and progressive increases of MHCIId(x) and MHCIIb. mRNA analyses of whole muscle showed that MHCIId(x) displayed the steepest increase after 4 days and continued to rise until 28 days, the longest time period investigated. MHCIIb mRNA followed a similar time course, although at lower levels. MHCIalpha mRNA, present at extremely low levels in control soleus, peaked after 4 days, stayed elevated until 15 days, and then decayed. Immunohistochemistry of 15-day unloaded muscles revealed that MHCIalpha was present in muscle spindles but at low amounts also in extrafusal fibers. The slow-to-fast transitions thus seem to proceed in the order MHCIbeta --> MHCIIa --> MHCIId(x) --> MHCIIb. Our findings indicate that MHCIalpha is transiently upregulated in some fibers as an intermediate step during the transition from MHCIbeta to MHCIIa.

Adaptation of guinea-pig superficial masseter muscle to an increase in occlusal vertical dimension

To study the effect of increased occlusal vertical dimension on the fibre phenotypes of the superficial masseter muscle, the composition of myosin heavy-chains (MHC), myosin light-chains (MLC) and tropomyosin was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in conjunction with densitometric analysis in normal (control) and bite-opened (5.7 mm increase in the vertical dimension for 1 week) guinea-pigs. The superficial masseter contained two fast-type MHC isoforms, II-1 and II-2, in both the bite-opened and control groups; their relative content (mean+/-SD, n = 7) was 47.8+/-2.9% and 52.2+/-2.9%, in the bite-opened and 44.4+/-3.0% and 55.6+3.0% in control preparations, indicating no significant (p>0.05) changes in MHC composition in association with the bite opening. On the other hand, significant differences in MLC and tropomyosin composition were found between the two preparations. Although the MLC consisted of three components, LC1f, LC2f and LC3f, in both preparations, their relative content (mean+/-SD, n = 7) was 37.1+/-2.4%, 49.6+/-1.6% and 13.2+/-3.2%, respectively, in the bite-opened and 28.1+/-3.1%, 50.9+/-1.6% and 21.0+/-3.5% in the control preparations, indicating that the bite opening induced a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the relative content of LC1f at the expense of that of LC3f. Although the tropomyosin consisted of two components, TM-alpha and TM-beta, in both preparations, their relative content (mean+/-SD, n = 7) was 91.8%+/-1.9% and 8.2+/-1.9%, respectively, in the bite-opened and 95.9+/-0.7% and 4.1+/-0.7% in the control preparations, showing a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the relative content of TM-beta in relation to the bite opening. These results indicate that in guinea-pigs an increase in occlusal vertical dimension for 1 week changes the composition of MLC and tropomyosin, with no significant change in MHC, in the masseter muscle. These changes might be required to meet altered functional demands.

Stimulation of myofibrillar synthesis by exercise is mediated by more efficient translation of mRNA

Resistance exercises stimulate protein synthesis in human muscle, but the roles of changes in mRNA concentrations and changes in the efficiency of mRNA translation have not been defined. The present study was done to determine whether resistance exercise affects concentrations of total RNA, total mRNA, actin mRNA, or myosin heavy-chain mRNA (total and isoform specific). Eight subjects, 62-75 yr old, performed unilateral knee extensions at 80% of their one-repetition-maximum capacity on days 1, 3, and 6 of the study. On day 7, biopsies of exercised and nonexercised vastus lateralis muscles were obtained. Myofibrillar synthesis was determined by stable- isotope incorporation, and mRNA concentrations were determined by membrane hybridization and PCR-based methods. The exercise stimulated myofibrillar synthesis [30 +/- 6 (SE)%] without affecting RNA or mRNA concentrations. The effect of exercise on protein synthesis in individual subjects did not correlate with the effect on total RNA and mRNA concentrations. These data suggest that the stimulation of myofibrillar synthesis by resistance exercise is mediated by more efficient translation of mRNA.

Early changes in muscle fiber size and gene expression in response to spinal cord transection and exercise

Muscles of spinal cord-transected rats exhibit severe atrophy and a shift toward a faster phenotype. Exercise can partially prevent these changes. The goal of this study was to investigate early events involved in regulating the muscle response to spinal transection and passive hindlimb exercise. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, and a complete spinal cord transection lesion (T10) was created in all rats except controls. Rats were killed 5 or 10 days after transection or they were exercised daily on motor-driven bicycles starting at 5 days after transection and were killed 0.5, 1, or 5 days after the first bout of exercise. Structural and biochemical features of soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were studied. Atrophy was decreased in all fiber types of soleus and in type 2a and type 2x fibers of EDL after 5 days of exercise. However, exercise did not appear to affect fiber type that was altered within 5 days of spinal cord transection: fibers expressing myosin heavy chain 2x increased in soleus and EDL, and extensive coexpression of myosin heavy chain in soleus was apparent. Activation of satellite cells was observed in both muscles of transected rats regardless of exercise status, evidenced by increased accumulation of MyoD and myogenin. Increased expression was transient, except for MyoD, which remained elevated in soleus. MyoD and myogenin were detected both in myofiber and in satellite cell nuclei in both muscles, but in soleus, MyoD was preferentially expressed in satellite cell nuclei, and in EDL, MyoD was more readily detectable in myofiber nuclei, suggesting that MyoD and myogenin have different functions in different muscles. Exercise did not affect the level or localization of MyoD and myogenin expression. Similarly, Id-1 expression was transiently increased in soleus and EDL upon spinal cord transection, and no effect of exercise was observed. These results indicate that passive exercise can ameliorate muscle atrophy after spinal cord transection and that satellite cell activation may play a role in muscle plasticity in response to spinal cord transection and exercise. Finally, the mechanisms underlying maintenance of muscle mass are likely distinct from those controlling myosin heavy chain expression.

Free mobilization and low- to high-intensity exercise in immobilization-induced muscle atrophy

After 3 wk of immobilization, the effects of free cage activity and low- and high-intensity treadmill running (8 wk) on the morphology and histochemistry of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in male Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. In both muscles, immobilization produced a significant (P < 0.001) increase in the mean percent area of intramuscular connective tissue (soleus: 18.9% in immobilized left hindlimb vs. 3.6% in nonimmobilized right hindlimb) and in the relative number of muscle fibers with pathological alterations (soleus: 66% in immobilized hindlimb vs. 6% in control), with a simultaneous significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the intramuscular capillary density (soleus: mean capillary density in the immobilized hindlimb only 63% of that in the nonimmobilized hindlimb) and muscle fiber size (soleus type I fibers: mean fiber size in the immobilized hindlimb only 69% of that in the nonimmobilized hindlimb). Many of these changes could not be corrected by free remobilization, whereas low- and high-intensity treadmill running clearly restored the changes toward control levels, the effect being most complete in the high-intensity running group. Collectively, these findings indicate that immobilization-induced pathological structural and histochemical alterations in rat calf muscles are, to a great extent, reversible phenomena if remobilization is intensified by physical training. In this respect, high-intensity exercise seems more beneficial than low-intensity exercise.