Denervation alters myosin heavy chain expression and contractility of developing rat diaphragm muscle

Diaphragm Muscle Function in a Mouse Model of Early Onset Spasticity

Spasticity is a common symptom in many developmental motor disorders, including spastic cerebral palsy (sCP). In sCP, respiratory dysfunction is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality, yet it is unknown how spasticity influences respiratory physiology or diaphragm muscle (DIAm) function. To investigate the influence of spasticity on DIAm function, we assessed in vivo transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi - measured using intra-esophageal and intragastric pressure catheters under conditions of eupnea, hypoxia/hypercapnia and occlusion) including maximum Pdi (Pdimax via bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation), ex vivo DIAm specific force and fatigue (using muscle strips stimulated with platinum plate electrodes) and type-specific characteristics of DIAm fiber cross-sections (using immunoreactivity against myosin heavy chain slow and 2A) in spa and wildtype mice. Spa mice show reduced Pdimax, reduced DIAm specific force, altered fatigability and atrophy of type IIx/IIb fibers. These findings suggest marked DIAm dysfunction may underlie the respiratory phenotype of sCP.

Mitochondrial Fragmentation and Dysfunction in Type IIx/IIb Diaphragm Muscle Fibers in 24-Month Old Fischer 344 Rats

Sarcopenia is characterized by muscle fiber atrophy and weakness, which may be associated with mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction. Mitochondrial remodeling and biogenesis in muscle fibers occurs in response to exercise and increased muscle activity. However, the adaptability mitochondria may decrease with age. The diaphragm muscle (DIAm) sustains breathing, via recruitment of fatigue-resistant type I and IIa fibers. More fatigable, type IIx/IIb DIAm fibers are infrequently recruited during airway protective and expulsive behaviors. DIAm sarcopenia is restricted to the atrophy of type IIx/IIb fibers, which impairs higher force airway protective and expulsive behaviors. The aerobic capacity to generate ATP within muscle fibers depends on the volume and intrinsic respiratory capacity of mitochondria. In the present study, mitochondria in type-identified DIAm fibers were labeled using MitoTracker Green and imaged in 3-D using confocal microscopy. Mitochondrial volume density was higher in type I and IIa DIAm fibers compared with type IIx/IIb fibers. Mitochondrial volume density did not change with age in type I and IIa fibers but was reduced in type IIx/IIb fibers in 24-month rats. Furthermore, mitochondria were more fragmented in type IIx/IIb compared with type I and IIa fibers, and worsened in 24-month rats. The maximum respiratory capacity of mitochondria in DIAm fibers was determined using a quantitative histochemical technique to measure the maximum velocity of the succinate dehydrogenase reaction (SDH _max ). SDH _max per fiber volume was higher in type I and IIa DIAm fibers and did not change with age. In contrast, SDH _max per fiber volume decreased with age in type IIx/IIb DIAm fibers. There were two distinct clusters for SDH _max per fiber volume and mitochondrial volume density, one comprising type I and IIa fibers and the second comprising type IIx/IIb fibers. The separation of these clusters increased with aging. There was also a clear relation between SDH _max per mitochondrial volume and the extent of mitochondrial fragmentation. The results show that DIAm sarcopenia is restricted to type IIx/IIb DIAm fibers and related to reduced mitochondrial volume, mitochondrial fragmentation and reduced SDH _max per fiber volume.

Importance of immunohistochemical evaluation of developmentally regulated myosin heavy chains in human muscle biopsies

Our retrospective immunohistochemical study of normal quadriceps muscle biopsies shows that embryonic myosin heavy chains are down-regulated by, or soon after, birth. Fetal myosin heavy chains are down-regulated by 4-6 months. Thus the presence of an appreciable number of fibres with embryonic myosin heavy chains at birth or of fetal myosin heavy chains after 6 months of age suggests a delay in maturation or an underlying abnormality. Regenerating fibres in dystrophic muscle often co-express both embryonic and fetal myosin heavy chains but more fibres with fetal than embryonic myosin heavy chains can occur. Embryonic myosin heavy chains are a useful marker of regeneration but effects of denervation, stress, disuse, and fibre maintenance also have to be taken into account. In neurogenic disorders fibres with embryonic myosin heavy chains are rare but fetal myosin heavy chain expression is common, particularly in 5q spinal muscle atrophy. Nuclear clumps in denervated muscle show fetal and sometimes embryonic myosin heavy chains. Developmentally regulated myosins are useful for highlighting the perifascicular atrophy in juvenile dermatomyositis. Our studies highlight the importance of baseline data for embryonic and fetal myosin heavy chains in human muscle biopsies and the importance of assessing them in a spectrum of neuromuscular disorders.

Phrenic motor neuron loss in aged rats

Sarcopenia is the age-related reduction of muscle mass and specific force. In previous studies, we found that sarcopenia of the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) is evident by 24 mo of age in both rats and mice and is associated with selective atrophy of type IIx and IIb muscle fibers and a decrease in maximum specific force. These fiber type-specific effects of sarcopenia resemble those induced by DIAm denervation, leading us to hypothesize that sarcopenia is due to an age-related loss of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs). To address this hypothesis, we determined the number of PhMNs in young (6 mo old) and old (24 mo old) Fischer 344 rats. Moreover, we determined age-related changes in the size of PhMNs, since larger PhMNs innervate type IIx and IIb DIAm fibers. The PhMN pool was retrogradely labeled and imaged with confocal microscopy to assess the number of PhMNs and the morphometry of PhMN soma and proximal dendrites. In older animals, there were 22% fewer PhMNs, a 19% decrease in somal surface area, and a 21% decrease in dendritic surface area compared with young Fischer 344 rats. The age-associated loss of PhMNs involved predominantly larger PhMNs. These results are consistent with an age-related denervation of larger, more fatigable DIAm motor units, which are required primarily for high-force airway clearance behaviors. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Diaphragm muscle sarcopenia in rodent models is well described in the literature; however, the relationship between sarcopenia and frank phrenic motor neuron (MN) loss is unexplored in these models. We quantify a 22% loss of phrenic MNs in old (24 mo) compared with young (6 mo) Fischer 344 rats. We also report reductions in phrenic MN somal and proximal dendritic morphology that relate to decreased MN heterogeneity in old compared with young Fischer 344 rats.

Hormonal Treatment Effects on the Cross-sectional Area of Pubococcygeus Muscle Fibers After Denervation and Castration in Male Rats

We explore the interaction of muscle innervation and gonadal hormone action in the pubococcygeus muscle (Pcm) after castration and hormone replacement. Male Wistar rats were castrated and the Pcm was unilaterally denervated; after 2 or 6 weeks, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of Pcm fibers was assessed. Additional groups of castrated rats were used to examine the effects of hormone replacement. At 2 weeks post surgeries, rats were implanted with Silastic capsules containing either dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol benzoate (EB) or both hormones, and the CSA of Pcm fibers was assessed after 4 weeks of hormone treatment. At 2 weeks post surgeries, gonadectomy without hormone replacement resulted in reductions in the CSA of Pcm fibers, and denervation combined with castration increased the magnitude of this effect; further reductions in CSA were present at 6 weeks post surgeries, but again denervation combined with castration increased the magnitude of this effect. Hormone replacement with DHT resulted in hypertrophy in the CSA of nondenervated muscles compared to those of intact normal males, but this effect was attenuated in denervated muscles. Hormone replacement with EB treatment prevented further castration-induced reductions in CSA of nondenervated muscles, but denervation prevented this effect. Similar to that seen with treatment with EB alone, combined treatment with both DHT and EB prevented further reductions in CSA of Pcm fibers in nondenervated muscles, but again denervation attenuated this effect. Thus, while hormone replacement can reverse or prevent further castration-induced atrophy of Pcm fibers, these effects are dependent on muscle innervation. Anat Rec, 300:1327-1335, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of unilateral denervation on transdiaphragmatic pressure

The diaphragm muscle (DIAm) has a large reserve capacity for force generation such that in rats, the transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) generated during ventilatory behaviors is less than 50% of maximal Pdi (Pd(imax)) elicited by bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation. Accordingly, we hypothesized that following unilateral denervation (DNV), the ability of the contralateral DIAm to generate sufficient Pdi to accomplish ventilatory behaviors will not be compromised and normal ventilation (as determined by arterial blood gas measurements) will not be impacted, although neural drive to the DIAm increases. In contrast, we hypothesized that higher force, non-ventilatory behaviors requiring Pdi generation greater than 50% of Pd(imax) will be compromised following DIAm hemiparalysis, i.e., increased neural drive cannot fully compensate for lack of force generating capacity. Pdi generated during ventilatory behaviors (eupnea and hypoxia (10% O2)-hypercapnia (5% CO2)) did not change after DNV and arterial blood gases were unaffected by DNV. However, neural drive to the contralateral DIAm, assessed by the rate of rise of root mean squared (RMS) EMG at 75 ms after onset of inspiratory activity (RMS75), increased after DNV (p<0.05). In contrast, Pdi generated during higher force, non-ventilatory behaviors was significantly reduced after DNV (p < 0.01), while RMS75 was unchanged. These findings support our hypothesis that only non-ventilatory behaviors requiring Pdi generation greater than 50% of Pd(imax) are impacted after DNV. Clinically, these results indicate that an evaluation of DIAm weakness requires examination of Pdi across multiple motor behaviors, not just ventilation.

Mechanical properties of respiratory muscles

Striated respiratory muscles are necessary for lung ventilation and to maintain the patency of the upper airway. The basic structural and functional properties of respiratory muscles are similar to those of other striated muscles (both skeletal and cardiac). The sarcomere is the fundamental organizational unit of striated muscles and sarcomeric proteins underlie the passive and active mechanical properties of muscle fibers. In this respect, the functional categorization of different fiber types provides a conceptual framework to understand the physiological properties of respiratory muscles. Within the sarcomere, the interaction between the thick and thin filaments at the level of cross-bridges provides the elementary unit of force generation and contraction. Key to an understanding of the unique functional differences across muscle fiber types are differences in cross-bridge recruitment and cycling that relate to the expression of different myosin heavy chain isoforms in the thick filament. The active mechanical properties of muscle fibers are characterized by the relationship between myoplasmic Ca2+ and cross-bridge recruitment, force generation and sarcomere length (also cross-bridge recruitment), external load and shortening velocity (cross-bridge cycling rate), and cross-bridge cycling rate and ATP consumption. Passive mechanical properties are also important reflecting viscoelastic elements within sarcomeres as well as the extracellular matrix. Conditions that affect respiratory muscle performance may have a range of underlying pathophysiological causes, but their manifestations will depend on their impact on these basic elemental structures.

Contribution of stretch to the change of activation properties of muscle fibers in the diaphragm at the transition from fetal to neonatal life

The transition from fetal to postnatal life involves clearance of liquid from the lung and airways, and rapid formation of a functional residual capacity. Despite the importance of the diaphragm in this process, the impact of birth on the mechanical and functional activity of its muscle fibers is not known. This study determined the contractile characteristics of individual “skinned” diaphragm fibers from 70 days (0.47) gestation to after birth in sheep. Based on differential sensitivity to the divalent ions calcium (Ca²⁺) and strontium (Sr²⁺), all fibers in the fetal diaphragm were classified as “fast,” whereas fibers from the adult sheep diaphragm exhibited a “hybrid” phenotype where both “fast” and “slow” characteristics were present within each single fiber. Transition to the hybrid phenotype occurred at birth, was evident after only 40 min of spontaneous breathing, and could be induced by simple mechanical stretch of diaphragm fibers from near-term fetuses (∼147 days gestation). Both physical stretch of isolated fibers, and mechanical ventilation of the fetal diaphragm in situ, significantly increased sensitivity to Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺, maximum force generating capacity, and decreased passive tension in near-term and preterm fetuses; however, only fibers from near-term fetuses showed a complete transition to a “hybrid” activation profile. These findings suggest that stretch associated with the transition from a liquid to air-filled lung at birth induces physical changes of proteins determining the activation and elastic properties of the diaphragm. These changes may allow the diaphragm to meet the increased mechanical demands of breathing immediately after birth.

Myosin heavy chain isoform profiles remain altered at 7 months if the lacerated medial gastrocnemius is poorly reinnervated: a study in rabbits

Lacerated skeletal muscles often do not recover full function after repair. Denervated muscles with altered myosin heavy chain isoform (MHC) profiles are known to result in functional impairment. We studied the functional recovery of lacerated muscles, assessing MHC profile changes in association to the involvement of the intramuscular nerve (IM). We tested three lacerated models using the rabbit's medial gastrocnemius where the IM was either cut (NNR), repaired (NR), or preserved intact (NP). Muscles were assessed 7 months after repair for muscle atrophy, isometric contraction (by electrical stimulation), and fibrosis formation at the lesion site. Changes in myofibrillar actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase activity, MHC profile, regenerating myofibers and reinnervation were assessed by Western blot, histology, or immunohistology. Lacerated muscles with a repaired (NR) or an intact (NP) IM showed good recovery, with no significant changes in the MHC profile. Muscles where the IM was not repaired (NNR) resulted in significant scar area at the lesion site (p < 0.05), muscle atrophy (67%, p < 0.05) and loss in contractile properties (63% of the uninjured side, p < 0.05). At 7 months, all muscles were reinnervated. However, the NNR had an inappropriate (polyneural) and poorly distributed reinnervation, the presence of regenerating myofibers, and demonstrated a fast-to-slow MHC transition (71%:29% to 44%:56%, ANOVA, p = 0.018). This was associated to the cut IM when the NNR muscle was lacerated. Poor reinnervation in lacerated skeletal muscles alters the myosin heavy chain profile permanently. This study provides a rationale to also consider biological solutions to improve nerve regeneration and reinnervation in the surgical repair of lacerated muscles.

The effect of denervation on protein synthesis and degradation in adult rat diaphragm muscle

Previous studies showed that unilateral denervation (DNV) of the rat diaphragm muscle (DIAm) results in loss of myosin heavy chain protein by 1 day after DNV. We hypothesize that DNV decreases net protein balance as a result of activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In DIAm strips, protein synthesis was measured by incorporation of 3H-Tyr, and protein degradation was measured by Tyr release at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after DNV. Total protein ubiquitination, caspase-3 expression/activity, and actin fragmentation were analyzed by Western analysis. We found that, at 3 days after DNV, protein synthesis increased by 77% relative to sham controls. Protein synthesis remained elevated at 5 (85%), 7 (53%), and 14 days (123%) after DNV. At 5 days after DNV, protein degradation increased by 43% relative to sham controls and remained elevated at 7 (49%) and 14 days (74%) after DNV. Thus, by 5 days after DNV, net protein balance decreased by 43% compared with sham controls and was decreased compared with sham at 7 (49%) and 14 days (72%) after DNV. Protein ubiquitination increased at 5 days after DNV and remained elevated. DNV had no effect on caspase-3 activity or actin fragmentation, suggesting that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway rather than caspase-3 activation is important in the DIAm response to DNV. Early loss of contractile proteins, such as myosin heavy chain, is likely the result of selective protein degradation rather than generalized protein breakdown. Future studies should evaluate this selective effect of DNV.

Acute effects of high-dose methylprednisolone on diaphragm muscle function

The time- and dose-dependent effects of acute high-dose corticosteroids on the diaphragm muscle are poorly defined. This study aimed to examine in rabbits the temporal relationships and dose-response effects of acute high-dose methylprednisolone succinate on diaphragmatic contractile and structural properties. Animals were assigned to groups receiving: (1) 80 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone (MP80) intramuscularly for 1, 2, and 3 days; (2) 10 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone (MP10, pulse-dose) for 3 days; or (3) saline (placebo) for 3 days; and (4) a control group. Diaphragmatic in vitro force-frequency and force-velocity relationships, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform protein and mRNA, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), muscle atrophy F-box (MAF-box) mRNA, and volume density of abnormal myofibrils were measured at each time-point. MP80 did not affect animal nutritional state or fiber cross-sectional area as assessed in separate pair-fed groups receiving methylprednisolone or saline for 3 days. Compared with control values, MP80 decreased diaphragmatic maximum tetanic tension (Po) by 19%, 24%, and 34% after 1, 2, and 3 days (P < 0.05), respectively, whereas MP10 decreased Po modestly (12%; P > 0.05). Vmax and MyHC protein proportions were unchanged in both the MP80 and MP10 groups. Maximum power output decreased after 2 and 3 days of MP80. Suppression of IGF-1 and overexpression of MAF-box mRNA occurred in both MP groups. Significant myofibrillar disarray was also observed in both MP groups. The decline in Po was significantly associated with the increased volume density of abnormal myofibrils. Thus, very high-dose methylprednisolone (MP80) can produce rapid reductions in diaphragmatic function, whereas pulse-dose methylprednisolone (MP10) produces only modest functional loss.

Key aspects of phrenic motoneuron and diaphragm muscle development during the perinatal period

At the time of birth, respiratory muscles must be activated to sustain ventilation. The perinatal development of respiratory motor units (comprising an individual motoneuron and the muscle fibers it innervates) shows remarkable features that enable mammals to transition from in utero conditions to the air environment in which the remainder of their life will occur. In addition, significant postnatal maturation is necessary to provide for the range of motor behaviors necessary during breathing, swallowing, and speech. As the main inspiratory muscle, the diaphragm muscle (and the phrenic motoneurons that innervate it) plays a key role in accomplishing these behaviors. Considerable diversity exists across diaphragm motor units, but the determinant factors for this diversity are unknown. In recent years, the mechanisms underlying the development of respiratory motor units have received great attention, and this knowledge may provide the opportunity to design appropriate interventions for the treatment of respiratory disease not only in the perinatal period but likely also in the adult.

Developmental effects on myonuclear domain size of rat diaphragm fibers

During early postnatal development in rat diaphragm muscle (Diam), significant fiber growth and transitions in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression occur. Similar to other skeletal muscles, Diam fibers are multinucleated, and each myonucleus regulates the gene products within a finite volume: the myonuclear domain (MND). We hypothesized that postnatal changes in fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) are associated with increased number of myonuclei so that the MND size is maintained. The Diam was removed at postnatal days 14 (P-14) and 28 (P-28). MHC isoform expression was determined by SDS-PAGE. Fiber CSA, myonuclear number, and MND size were measured using confocal microscopy. By P-14, significant coexpression of MHC isoforms was present with no fiber displaying singular expression of MHCNeo. By P-28, singular expression was predominant. MND size was not different across fiber types at P-14. Significant fiber growth was evident by P-28 at all fiber types (fiber CSA increased by 61, 93, and 147% at fibers expressing MHCSlow, MHC2A, and MHC2X, respectively). The number of myonuclei per unit of fiber length was similar across fibers at P-14, but it was greater at fibers expressing MHC2X at P-28. The total number of myonuclei per fiber also increased between P-14 and P-28 at all fiber types. Accordingly, MND size increased significantly by P-28 at all fiber types, and it became larger at fibers expressing MHC2X compared with fibers expressing MHCSlow or MHC2A. These results suggest that MND size is not maintained during the considerable fiber growth associated with postnatal development of the Diam.

Global cooling: cold acclimation and the expression of soluble proteins in carp skeletal muscle

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) has a well-developed capacity to modify muscle properties in response to changes in temperature. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning this phenotypic response at the protein level may provide fundamental insights into the molecular basis of adaptive processes in skeletal muscle. In this study, common carp were subjected to a cooling regimen and soluble extracts of muscle homogenates were separated by 1-D SDS-PAGE and 2-DE. Proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF-MS and de novo peptide sequencing using LC-MS/MS. The 2-D gel was populated with numerous protein spots that were fragments of all three muscle isoforms (M1, M2 and M3) of carp creatine kinase (CK). The accumulation of the CK fragments was enhanced when the carp were cooled to 10 degrees C. The protein changes observed in the skeletal muscle of carp subjected to cold acclimation were compared to changes described in a previous transcript analysis study. Genes encoding CK isoforms were downregulated and the genes encoding key proteins of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway were upregulated. These findings are consistent with a specific cold-induced enhancement of proteolysis of CK.

Effect of denervation on ATP consumption rate of diaphragm muscle fibers

Denervation (DNV) of rat diaphragm muscle (DIAm) decreases myosin heavy chain (MHC) content in fibers expressing MHC(2X) isoform but not in fibers expressing MHC(slow) and MHC(2A). Since MHC is the site of ATP hydrolysis during muscle contraction, we hypothesized that ATP consumption rate during maximum isometric activation (ATP(iso)) is reduced following unilateral DIAm DNV and that this effect is most pronounced in fibers expressing MHC(2X). In single-type-identified, permeabilized DIAm fibers, ATP(iso) was measured using NADH-linked fluorometry. The maximum velocity of the actomyosin ATPase reaction (V(max) ATPase) was determined using quantitative histochemistry. The effect of DNV on maximum unloaded shortening velocity (V(o)) and cross-bridge cycling rate [estimated from the rate constant for force redevelopment (k(TR)) following quick release and restretch] was also examined. Two weeks after DNV, ATP(iso) was significantly reduced in fibers expressing MHC(2X), but unaffected in fibers expressing MHC(slow) and MHC(2A). This effect of DNV on fibers expressing MHC(2X) persisted even after normalization for DNV-induced reduction in MHC content. With DNV, V(o) and k(TR) were slowed in fibers expressing MHC(2X), consistent with the effect on ATP(iso). The difference between V(max) ATPase and ATP(iso) reflects reserve capacity for ATP consumption, which was reduced across all fibers following DNV; however, this effect was most pronounced in fibers expressing MHC(2X). DNV-induced reductions in ATP(iso) and V(max) ATPase of fibers expressing MHC(2X) reflect the underlying decrease in MHC content, while reduction in ATP(iso) also reflects a slowing of cross-bridge cycling rate.

Mechanisms underlying myosin heavy chain expression during development of the rat diaphragm muscle

During early postnatal development in rat diaphragm muscle (Dia(m)), significant transitions in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression occur that are associated with fiber growth and increased MHC protein. At present, there is no direct information regarding the transcriptional regulation of MHC isoform expression during postnatal Dia(m) development. We hypothesized postnatal changes in MHC isoform mRNA expression are followed by concomitant changes in MHC protein expression. The Dia(m) was removed at postnatal days 0, 14, 28, and 84 (adult). MHC mRNA expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR. MHC protein expression was determined by SDS-PAGE. There was a significant effect of postnatal age on MHC isoform mRNA and protein expression. At birth, the MHC(Neo) isoform accounted for 28% of MHC mRNA and 54% of total MHC protein. By postnatal day 14, MHC(Neo) mRNA and protein increased significantly, and both decreased significantly by day 28, consistent with transcriptional control of the expression of this developmental isoform. By postnatal day 28, there were minimal changes in mRNA expression for MHC(Slow) and MHC(2X), yet protein expression increased significantly. MHC(2A) mRNA and protein expression did not change during this time. Thus changes in MHC protein expression did not follow (or parallel) changes in MHC mRNA for the adult MHC isoforms. The present findings indicate that changes in MHC expression in the developing rat Dia(m) are not driven solely by changes in mRNA expression. Knowledge of isoform-specific MHC mRNA expression only yields predictive information on MHC protein expression for the MHC(Neo) isoform.

Respiratory muscle plasticity

Plasticity of respiratory muscles must be considered in the context of their unique physiological demands. The continuous rhythmic activation of respiratory muscles makes them among the most active in the body. Respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm, are non-weight-bearing, and thus, in contrast to limb muscles, are not exposed to gravitational effects. Perturbations in normal activation and load known to induce plasticity in limb muscles may not cause similar adaptations in respiratory muscles. In this review, we explore the structural and functional properties of the diaphragm muscle and their response to alterations in load and activity. Overall, relatively modest changes in diaphragm structural and functional properties occur in response to perturbations in load or activity. However, disruptions in the normal influence of phrenic innervation by frank denervation, tetrodotoxin nerve block and spinal hemisection, induce profound changes in the diaphragm, indicating the substantial trophic influence of phrenic motoneurons on diaphragm muscle.

Early effects of mechanical ventilation on isotonic contractile properties and MAF-box gene expression in the diaphragm

This study aimed to determine the time-dependent effects of diaphragmatic inactivity on its maximum shortening velocity ( Vmax) and the muscle atrophy F-box (MAF-box, atrogin-1) gene expression during controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV). Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were grouped into 1 day, 2 days, and 3 days of CMV and controls in equal numbers. The in vitro isotonic contractile properties of the diaphragm were determined. In addition, myosin heavy chain protein and mRNA, myosin light chain, MAF-box mRNA, and volume density of abnormal myofibrils were measured. Tetanic force decreased, and Vmaxincreased from control of 6.4 to 6.6, 7.7, and 8.1 muscle lengths per second after 1, 2, and 3 days of CMV, respectively ( P < 0.02). The increased Vmaxcompensated for the decreased tetanic force; consequently, compared with the controls, maximum power output was unchanged after 3 days of CMV. Vmaxcorrelated with the volume density of abnormal myofibrils [ y = 0.1 x + 5.7 ( r = 0.87, P < 0.01)]. In the diaphragm, MAF-box was overexpressed (355% of control) after 1 day of CMV, before the evidence of structural myofibril disarray. In conclusion, CMV produced a time-dependent increase in Vmaxthat was associated with the degree of myofibrillar disarray and independent of changes in myosin isoform expression. Furthermore, CMV produced an increase in MAF-box mRNA levels that may be partially or completely responsible for the degree of myofibrillar disarray resulting from CMV.

Assist–Control Mechanical Ventilation Attenuates Ventilator-induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction

Controlled mechanical ventilation induced a profound diaphragm muscle dysfunction and atrophy. The effects of diaphragmatic contractions with assisted mechanical ventilation on diaphragmatic isometric, isotonic contractile properties, or the expression of muscle atrophy factor-box (MAF-box), the gene responsible for muscle atrophy, are unknown. We hypothesize that assisted mechanical ventilation will preserve diaphragmatic force and prevent overexpression of MAF-box. Studying sedated rabbits randomized equally into control animals, those with 3 days of assisted ventilation, and those with controlled ventilation, we assessed in vitro diaphragmatic isometric and isotonic contractile function. The concentrations of contractile proteins, myosin heavy chain isoform, and MAF-box mRNA were measured. Tetanic force decreased by 14% with assisted ventilation and 48% with controlled ventilation. Maximum shortening velocity tended to increase with controlled compared with assisted ventilation and control. Peak power output decreased 20% with assisted ventilation and 41% with controlled ventilation. Contractile proteins were unchanged with either modes of ventilation; myosin heavy chain 2X mRNA tended to increase and that of 2A to decrease with controlled ventilation. MAF-box gene was overexpressed with controlled ventilation. We conclude that preserving diaphragmatic contractions during mechanical ventilation attenuates the force loss induced by complete inactivity and maintains MAF-box gene expression in control.

Denervation-induced changes in myosin heavy chain expression in the rat diaphragm muscle

Unilateral denervation (Dnv) of the rat diaphragm muscle (Diam) markedly alters expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. After 2 wk of Diam Dnv, MHC content per half-sarcomere decreases in fibers expressing MHC(2X) and MHC(2B). We hypothesized that changes in MHC protein expression parallel changes in MHC mRNA expression. Relative MHC isoform mRNA levels were determined by Northern analysis after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of Dnv of the rat Diam. MHC protein expression was determined by SDS-PAGE. Changes in MHC isoform protein and mRNA expression were not concurrent. Expression of MHC(Slow) and MHC(2X) mRNA isoforms decreased dramatically by 3 days of Dnv, whereas that of MHC(2A) and MHC(2B) did not change. Expression of all MHC protein isoforms decreased by 3 days of Dnv. We observed a differential effect of rat Diam Dnv on MHC isoform protein and mRNA expression. The time course of the changes in MHC isoform mRNA and protein expression suggests a predominant effect of altered protein turnover rates on MHC protein expression instead of altered transcription after Dnv.

Changes in actomyosin ATP consumption rate in rat diaphragm muscle fibers during postnatal development

Early postnatal development of rat diaphragm muscle (Dia(m)) is marked by dramatic transitions in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression. We hypothesized that the transition from the neonatal isoform of MHC (MHC(Neo)) to adult fast MHC isoform expression in Dia(m) fibers is accompanied by an increase in both the maximum velocity of the actomyosin ATPase reaction (V(max) ATPase) and the ATP consumption rate during maximum isometric activation (ATP(iso)). Rat Dia(m) fibers were evaluated at postnatal days 0, 14, and 28 and in adults (day 84). Across all ages, V(max) ATPase of fibers was significantly higher than ATP(iso). The reserve capacity for ATP consumption [1 - (ratio of ATP(iso) to V(max) ATP(ase))] was remarkably constant ( approximately 55-60%) across age groups, although at day 28 and in adults the reserve capacity for ATP consumption was slightly higher for fibers expressing MHC(Slow) compared with fast MHC isoforms. At day 28 and in adults, both V(max) ATPase and ATP(iso) were lower in fibers expressing MHC(Slow) followed in rank order by fibers expressing MHC(2A), MHC(2X), and MHC(2B). For fibers expressing MHC(Neo), V(max) ATPase, and ATP(iso) were comparable to values for adult fibers expressing MHC(Slow) but significantly lower than values for fibers expressing fast MHC isoforms. We conclude that postnatal transitions from MHC(Neo) to adult fast MHC isoform expression in Dia(m) fibers are associated with corresponding but disproportionate changes in V(max) ATPase and ATP(iso).

Altered diaphragm contractile properties with controlled mechanical ventilation

This study shows that, over time, diaphragm inactivity with controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) decreases diaphragm force and produces myofibril damage contributing to the reduced force. We measured in vivo and in vitro diaphragm contractile and morphological properties in 30 sedated rabbits grouped (n = 6) as follows: 1 or 3 days of CMV, 1 or 3 days of 0 cmH(2)O continuous positive airway pressure, and control. The CMV rate was set sufficient to suppress diaphragm electrical activity. Compared with the control group, phrenic-stimulated maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure did not decrease with continuous positive airway pressure but decreased to 63% after 1 day of CMV and to 49% after 3 days of CMV. The in vitro tetanic force decreased to 86% after 1 day of CMV and to 44% after 3 days of CMV. After 3 days of CMV, significant myofibril damage occurred in the diaphragm but not in the soleus. The decrease in tetanic force correlated with the volume density of abnormal myofibrils. We conclude that CMV had a detrimental effect on diaphragm contractile properties.

Invited Review: plasticity and energetic demands of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle

Numerous studies have explored the energetic properties of skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers. In this mini-review, we specifically explore the interactions between actin and myosin during cross-bridge cycling and provide a conceptual framework for the chemomechanical transduction that drives muscle fiber energetic demands. Because the myosin heavy chain (MHC) is the site of ATP hydrolysis and actin binding, we focus on the mechanical and energetic properties of different MHC isoforms. Based on the conceptual framework that is provided, we discuss possible sites where muscle remodeling may impact the energetic demands of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Mechanisms underlying increased force generation by rat diaphragm muscle fibers during development

It has been found that maximum specific force (F(max); force per cross-sectional area) of rat diaphragm muscle doubles from birth to 84 days (adult). We hypothesize that this developmental change in F(max) reflects an increase in myosin heavy chain (MHC) content per half-sarcomere (an estimate of the number of cross bridges in parallel) and/or a greater force per cross bridge in fibers expressing fast MHC isoforms compared with slow and neonatal MHC isoforms (MHC(slow) and MHC(neo), respectively). Single Triton 100-X-permeabilized fibers were activated at a pCa of 4.0. MHC isoform expression was determined by SDS-PAGE. MHC content per half-sarcomere was determined by densitometric analysis and comparison to a standard curve of known MHC concentrations. MHC content per half-sarcomere progressively increased during early postnatal development. When normalized for MHC content per half-sarcomere, fibers expressing MHC(slow) and coexpressing MHC(neo) produced less force than fibers expressing fast MHC isoforms. We conclude that lower force per cross bridge in fibers expressing MHC(slow) and MHC(neo) contributes to the lower F(max) seen in early postnatal development.