Three-dimensional structure of the vascular network in normal and immobilized muscles of the rat.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether there are three-dimensional changes in capillaries of rat soleus muscle during mechanical limb immobilization.


METHODS
Scanning electron microscopy, with the microcorrosion cast technique, was used to examine vascular networks in immobilized Wistar rat soleus muscles from 4 to 12 weeks after limb immobilization and to compare these networks with those in the control muscle.


METHODS
Immobilization of the soleus muscle was achieved by unilateral pinning of the ankle joint in full plantar flexion.


RESULTS
The wavelike structure of the vascular network in the control muscles changed into a straight configuration in 8- and 12-week immobilized muscles.
Oki
S
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ehime University School of Medicine, Japan.
Itoh
T
T
Desaki
J
J
Matsuda
Y
Y
Okumura
H
H
Shibata
T
T
D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013997:Time Factors