Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 12 November 1971:
Vol. 174. no. 4010, pp. 709 - 712
DOI: 10.1126/science.174.4010.709
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Articles

Mammalian Motor Units: Physiological-Histochemical Correlation in Three Types in Cat Gastrocnemius

R. E. Burke 1, D. N. Levine 1, F. E. Zajac III 1, P. Tsairis 2, and W. K. Engel 2

1 Laboratory of Neural Control, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014
2 Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke

The correlation among a variety of physiological properties and the histochemical characteristics of muscle fibers belonging to single motor units in a mixed mammalian muscle is directly demonstrated. The population of motor units making up the cat gastrocnemius was classified into three nonoverlapping groups on the basis of a combination of physiological parameters. The muscle fibers belonging to motor units of each physiological type exhibited a distinctive histochemical profile, such that the three basic histochemical "fiber types" exactly matched the three physiologically defined groups. Within each individual motor unit, the muscle fibers were histochemically uniform.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Classical Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules in Motoneurons: New Actors at the Neuromuscular Junction.
S. Thams, P. Brodin, S. Plantman, R. Saxelin, K. Karre, and S. Cullheim (2009)
J. Neurosci. 29, 13503-13515
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Structure, innervation, mechanical properties and reflex activation of a striated sphincter in the vestibule of the cat vagina.
R. Lagunes-Cordoba, V. Tsutsumi, and E J Munoz-Martinez (2009)
Reproduction 137, 371-377
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Kinase-specific responsiveness to incremental contractile activity in skeletal muscle with low and high mitochondrial content.
V. Ljubicic and D. A. Hood (2008)
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 295, E195-E204
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Motor unit recruitment patterns 2: the influence of myoelectric intensity and muscle fascicle strain rate.
E. F. Hodson-Tole and J. M. Wakeling (2008)
J. Exp. Biol. 211, 1893-1902
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Anatomic and physiological characteristics of the ferret lateral rectus muscle and abducens nucleus.
K. N. Bishop, J. R. McClung, S. J. Goldberg, and M. S. Shall (2007)
J Appl Physiol 103, 1706-1714
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Activity-Dependent Signaling Pathways Controlling Muscle Diversity and Plasticity.
S. Schiaffino, M. Sandri, and M. Murgia (2007)
Physiology 22, 269-278
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A metabolic basis for impaired muscle force production and neuromuscular compensation during sprint cycling.
M. W. Bundle, C. L. Ernst, M. J. Bellizzi, S. Wright, and P. G. Weyand (2006)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 291, R1457-R1464
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sprint performance-duration relationships are set by the fractional duration of external force application.
P. G. Weyand, J. E. Lin, and M. W. Bundle (2006)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 290, R758-R765
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Distinctive morphological and gene/protein expression signatures during myogenesis in novel cell lines from extraocular and hindlimb muscle.
J. D. Porter, S. Israel, B. Gong, A. P. Merriam, J. Feuerman, S. Khanna, and H. J. Kaminski (2006)
Physiol Genomics 24, 264-275
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Fiber-type Composition of the Human Jaw Muscles--(Part 1) Origin and Functional Significance of Fiber-type Diversity.
J.A.M Korfage, J.H. Koolstra, G.E.J. Langenbach, and T.M.G.J. van Eijden (2005)
Journal of Dental Research 84, 774-783
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Fiber-type Composition of the Human Jaw Muscles--(Part 2) Role of Hybrid Fibers and Factors Responsible for Inter-individual Variation.
J.A.M Korfage, J.H. Koolstra, G.E.J. Langenbach, and T.M.G.J. van Eijden (2005)
Journal of Dental Research 84, 784-793
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Energetics of high-speed running: integrating classical theory and contemporary observations.
P. G. Weyand and M. W. Bundle (2005)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 288, R956-R965
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The influence of fatigue on damage from eccentric contractions in the gastrocnemius muscle of the cat.
D. L Morgan, J. E Gregory, and U Proske (2004)
J. Physiol. 561, 841-850
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Motor units are recruited in a task-dependent fashion during locomotion.
J. M. Wakeling (2004)
J. Exp. Biol. 207, 3883-3890
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Respiratory muscle fibres: specialisation and plasticity.
B Polla, G D'Antona, R Bottinelli, and C Reggiani (2004)
Thorax 59, 808-817
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Conserved and muscle-group-specific gene expression patterns shape postnatal development of the novel extraocular muscle phenotype.
G. Cheng, A. P. Merriam, B. Gong, P. Leahy, S. Khanna, and J. D. Porter (2004)
Physiol Genomics 18, 184-195
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Effects of obesity upon genioglossus structure and function in obstructive sleep apnoea.
M. Carrera, F. Barbe, J. Sauleda, M. Tomas, C. Gomez, C. Santos, and A.G.N. Agusti (2004)
Eur. Respir. J. 23, 425-429
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Combined in situ analysis of metabolic and myoelectrical changes associated with electrically induced fatigue.
J. L. Darques, D Bendahan, M Roussel, B Giannesini, F Tagliarini, Y Le Fur, P. J. Cozzone, and Y Jammes (2003)
J Appl Physiol 95, 1476-1484
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Transcriptional regulation by calcium, calcineurin, and NFAT.
P. G. Hogan, L. Chen, J. Nardone, and A. Rao (2003)
Genes & Dev. 17, 2205-2232
   Full Text »    PDF »
Rises in whole muscle passive tension of mammalian muscle after eccentric contractions at different lengths.
N. P. Whitehead, D. L. Morgan, J. E. Gregory, and U. Proske (2003)
J Appl Physiol 95, 1224-1234
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Plasticity in Respiratory Motor Control: Invited Review: Mechanisms underlying motor unit plasticity in the respiratory system.
C. B. Mantilla and G. C. Sieck (2003)
J Appl Physiol 94, 1230-1241
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Orthologous myosin isoforms and scaling of shortening velocity with body size in mouse, rat, rabbit and human muscles.
M A Pellegrino, M Canepari, R Rossi, G D'Antona, C Reggiani, and R Bottinelli (2003)
J. Physiol. 546, 677-689
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Muscle activity damps the soft tissue resonance that occurs in response to pulsed and continuous vibrations.
J. M. Wakeling, B. M. Nigg, and A. I. Rozitis (2002)
J Appl Physiol 93, 1093-1103
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Fibre-type specific concentration of focal adhesion kinase at the sarcolemma: influence of fibre innervation and regeneration.
M. Fluck, A. Ziemiecki, R. Billeter, and M. Muntener (2002)
J. Exp. Biol. 205, 2337-2348
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Damage to different motor units from active lengthening of the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the cat.
C. L. Brockett, D. L. Morgan, J. E. Gregory, and U. Proske (2002)
J Appl Physiol 92, 1104-1110
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Determining patterns of motor recruitment during locomotion.
J. M. Wakeling, M. Kaya, G. K. Temple, I. A. Johnston, and W. Herzog (2002)
J. Exp. Biol. 205, 359-369
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Human Skeletal Muscle Fiber Type Classifications.
W. Scott, J. Stevens, and S. A Binder-Macleod (2001)
Physical Therapy 81, 1810-1816
   Full Text »    PDF »
Muscle activity in the leg is tuned in response to ground reaction forces.
J. M. Wakeling, V. Von Tscharner, B. M. Nigg, and P. Stergiou (2001)
J Appl Physiol 91, 1307-1317
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Changes in passive tension of muscle in humans and animals after eccentric exercise.
N P Whitehead, N S Weerakkody, J E Gregory, D L Morgan, and U Proske (2001)
J. Physiol. 533, 593-604
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Plasticity in Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth Muscle: Historical Perspectives: Plasticity of mammalian skeletal muscle.
D. Pette (2001)
J Appl Physiol 90, 1119-1124
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Plasticity in Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth Muscle: Invited Review: Plasticity and energetic demands of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
G. C. Sieck and M. Regnier (2001)
J Appl Physiol 90, 1158-1164
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Voluntary contraction impairs the refractory period of transmission in healthy human axons.
S. Kuwabara, C. S-Y Lin, I. Mogyoros, C. Cappelen-Smith, and D. Burke (2001)
J. Physiol. 531, 265-275
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Fatigue in mammalian skeletal muscle stimulated under computer control.
A. K. Wise, D. L. Morgan, J. E. Gregory, and U. Proske (2001)
J Appl Physiol 90, 189-197
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Calcium Ion in Skeletal Muscle: Its Crucial Role for Muscle Function, Plasticity, and Disease.
M. W. Berchtold, H. Brinkmeier, and M. Muntener (2000)
Physiol Rev 80, 1215-1265
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Fatiguing contractions of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles: influence of systemic hypoxia.
D. D. Fuller and R. F. Fregosi (2000)
J Appl Physiol 88, 2123-2130
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Skeletal Muscle Function and Fibre Types: the Relationship Between Occlusal Function and the Phenotype of Jaw-closing Muscles in Human.
J. J. Sciote and T. J. Morris (2000)
J. Orthod. 27, 15-30
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sexual dimorphism in forelimb muscles of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana: a functional analysis of isometric contractile properties.
S. Peters and D. Aulner (2000)
J. Exp. Biol. 203, 3639-3654
   Abstract »    PDF »
Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Exhibit Genioglossus Dysfunction that Is Normalized after Treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
M. CARRERA, F. BARBÉ, J. SAULEDA, M. TOMÁS, C. GÓMEZ, and A. GN. AGUSTÍ (1999)
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 159, 1960-1966
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease . A Statement of the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society.
(1999)
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 159, S2-40
   Full Text »    PDF »
Salbutamol enhances isotonic contractile properties of rat diaphragm muscle.
H. F. M. Van Der Heijden, W. Z. Zhan, Y. S. Prakash, P. N. R. Dekhuijzen, and G. C. Sieck (1998)
J Appl Physiol 85, 525-529
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Neurotrophin-3-enhanced Nerve Regeneration Selectively Improves Recovery of Muscle Fibers Expressing Myosin Heavy Chains 2b.
G.D. Sterne, G.R. Coulton, R.A. Brown, C.J. Green, and G. Terenghi (1997)
J. Cell Biol. 139, 709-715
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Two Years of Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment Increase Isometric and Isokinetic Muscle Strength in GH-Deficient Adults.
G. Johannsson, G. Grimby, K. S. Sunnerhagen, and B.-A. Bengtsson (1997)
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 82, 2877-2884
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Effects of nandrolone decanoate on respiratory and peripheral muscles in male and female rats.
A. Bisschop, G. Gayan-Ramirez, H. Rollier, P. N. R. Dekhuijzen, R. Dom, V. De Bock, and M. Decramer (1997)
J Appl Physiol 82, 1112-1118
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Creatine Kinase Equilibration Follows Solution Thermodynamics in Skeletal Muscle.
R. W. Wiseman and M. J. Kushmerick (1995)
J. Biol. Chem. 270, 12428-12438
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Muscle Fiber Types in the Cat Middle Ear Muscles: II. Tensor Tympani.
M. J. Lyon and L. T. Malmgren (1988)
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 114, 404-409
   Abstract »    PDF »
Isokinetic versus isotonic variable-resistance training.
M. J. Smith and P. Melton (1981)
Am. J. Sports Med. 9, 275-279
   Abstract »    PDF »
Nerve terminals are as metabolically different as the muscle fibers they innervate.
J. Pickett (1980)
Science 210, 927-928
   Abstract »    PDF »
Goldfish abducens motoneurons: physiological and anatomical specialization.
P Sterling and P Gestrin (1975)
Science 189, 1091-1093
   Abstract »    PDF »
Open-Biopsy Electromyography: I. Correlation of Motor Unit Behavior With Histochemical Muscle Fiber Type in Human Limb Muscle.
J. R. Warmolts and W. K. Engel (1972)
Arch Neurol 27, 512-517
   Abstract »    PDF »
Extraocular muscle is defined by a fundamentally distinct gene expression profile.
J. D. Porter, S. Khanna, H. J. Kaminski, J. S. Rao, A. P. Merriam, C. R. Richmonds, P. Leahy, J. Li, and F. H. Andrade (2001)
PNAS 98, 12062-12067
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)