Simultaneous removal of NOx and SO2 from simulated marine ship flue gas in a novel wet scrubbing system based on divided diaphragm seawater electrolysis technology: efficiency optimization and economic assessment

This work constructed a divided diaphragm seawater electrolysis system with two tandem packed towers for the synergistic removal of NO_x and SO₂. The first tower was mainly used to oxidize NO and SO₂ by AC (active chlorine), and the second tower was used to further absorb NO_x. The factors affecting on NO removal, including ACC (active chlorine concentration), pH value, initial NO concentration and temperature in the oxidation tower were investigated. Moreover, the effect of different inlet gas concentrations and current values were explored. The results showed that with the increase of ACC, the NO and NO_x removal efficiency increased rapidly, but when the ACC was higher than 500 mg/L [Cl₂], the removal efficiency did not increase further in the oxidation tower. Low pH values in the oxidation tower were favorable for NO removal. NO removal efficiency reached a maximum at 40 °C. Higher NO and SO₂ concentrations were favorable for NO removal. The decline of pH in the anode cell was not conducive to the storage of AC in the continuous electrolysis removal process. NO_x and SO₂ were almost completely removed after being scrubbed in the oxidation and absorption towers. The relationship between current and removal efficiency of NO and SO₂ in the oxidation tower was also analyzed. Finally, the removal mechanism and the application prospects were discussed.

Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Diaphragma juglandis Fructus by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and UHPLC-MS/MS

Diaphragma juglandis fructus is the dry wooden diaphragm inside walnuts and a byproduct in food processing of walnut kernels. The purpose of our research is to enrich the information on compounds in Diaphragma juglandis fructus to further discover and exploit its potential nutritional value. In this study, new quali-quantitative analytical approaches were developed to identify and determine bioactive compounds in Diaphragma juglandis fructus. Two-hundred compounds, including hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and quinones, were identified by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, more than 150 of which were first discovered in Diaphragma juglandis fructus. Among them, 21 major dietary polyphenols with health-promoting effects were successfully quantified using UHPLC-MS/MS, with total contents of 2.88-6.18 mg/g. This successful characterization and quantification of bioactive compounds in Diaphragma juglandis fructus gives a better understanding of its potential nutritional value and supports efficiently developing and reusing it instead of discarding it as agrofood waste.

Intrinsic transient tracheal occlusion training and myogenic remodeling of rodent parasternal intercostal fibers

It is recognized that diaphragm muscle plasticity occurs with mechanical overloads, yet less is known about synergistic parasternal intercostal muscle fiber remodeling. We conducted overload training with intrinsic transient tracheal occlusion (ITTO) exercises in conscious animals. We hypothesized that ITTO would yield significant fiber hypertrophy and myogenic activation that would parallel diaphragm fiber remodeling. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent placement of a tracheal cuff and were randomly assigned to receive daily 10 min sessions of conscious ITTO or observation (sham) over 2 wk. After training, fiber morphology, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform composition, cross-sectional area, proportion of Pax7-positive nuclei, and presence of embryonic MHC (eMHC) were quantified. Type IIx/b fibers were 20% larger after ITTO training than with sham training (ITTO: 4,431 +/– 676 μm2, sham: 3,689 +/– 400 μm2, p < 0.05), and type I fibers were more prevalent after ITTO (p < 0.01). Expression of Pax7 was increased in ITTO parasternals and diaphragm (p < 0.05). In contrast, the proportion of eMHC-positive fibers was increased only in ITTO parasternals (1.2% [3.4%–0.6%], sham: 0% [0.6%–0%], p < 0.05). Although diaphragm and parasternal type II fibers hypertrophy to a similar degree, myogenic remodeling appears to differ between the two muscles.

[Changes of rat respiratory and locomotory muscles during aerobic exercise training in continuous and interval regimens]

Male Wistar rats were treadmill-trained for 8 weeks using one of the two regimens: with the constant running speed or with alternating high-speed and low-speed intervals. Both training regimens led to an increase of rat aerobic capacities and to a higher citrate synthase activity in the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. No differences between the effects of two training regimens were observed. However, in contrast to constant-speed training the interval one resulted in myocardium hypertrophy and also in less pronounced changes in diaphragm muscle, such as slow-direction shift of myosin phenotype and reduction of muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Neither of the training regimens had an effect on corticosterone and thyroid hormones levels in rat blood, whereas the interval training resulted in a higher level of testosterone. Anabolic influence of testosterone during interval aerobic training may be favorable for heart hemodynamic capacity and force characteristics of the diaphragm.

The effect of various forms of selenium supplied to pregnant goats on the levels of selenium in the body of their kids at the time of weaning

The aim of this trial was to compare the effect of long-term supplementation of goats with different forms of selenium on body reserves of selenium in their kids at the time of weaning. Thirty-three pregnant goats were divided into five groups. Group C was control while the other four groups were supplemented with selenium (Se) for 6 weeks before parturition (0.3 mg/goat/day) and after parturition (0.9 mg/goat/day). Group "Se-I" received sodium selenite and three other groups received organic forms: "Se-L," lactate-protein complex; "Se-P," Se-proteinate; and "Se-Y," Se-yeast. The kids were weaned at 3 months of age and samples of tissues (liver, pancreas, myocardium, lungs, kidneys, spleen, thigh, tongue, and diaphragm) were taken after slaughtering. The long-term supplementation of goats with Se influenced Se concentration in all examined tissues of kids. Significant differences (p≤0.01) were found between the control and all experimental groups, except for the renal cortex and pancreas (Se-I). The average increase of Se concentration in overall examined tissues in comparison with the control (100%) was as follows: Se-Y, 192%; Se-P, 167%; Se-L, 161%; Se-I, 144%. The highest efficiency was found in the group supplemented with Se-yeast with a high content of selenomethionine, also the other two organic forms of Se were more efficient than the inorganic form.

Effect of type of muscle and Cu supplementation on trace element concentrations in cattle meat

Considering that meat is an important source of metals exposure to humans it is important to explore trace element concentrations in different types of muscles. Because of the demonstrated effect of Cu-supplementation on mineral status, the influence of Cu-supplementation was also evaluated. Samples of four different muscles (diaphragm, cardiac, semitendinous and pectoral, n=120) from beef calves receiving typical commercial diets Cu-supplemented (15 mg Cu(2)SO(4)/kg DM) and non-supplemented were taken and acid digested. The levels of non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sn) and essential (Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn) elements were analyzed by ICP-MS. The statistical analyzes included two way Anova, post hoc DHS Tukey and Spearman correlations. The most active and less fat containing muscles showed in general the highest essential and the lowest non-essential trace element accumulation. As and Hg muscular residues are indicative of animal exposure, however, in situations of an adequate mineral status, essential trace element concentrations in muscle are irrespective of the mineral status of the animal and could be possibly related to their own particular muscular metabolism. Cu-supplementation significantly reduced As but caused a significant decrease of Se, which could have significance for the animal's health.

Down-regulation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the mouse diaphragm during sepsis

BACKGROUND

Diaphragmatic muscle impairment is an important cause of respiratory failure during sepsis. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is an anabolic growth factor which prevents muscle degradation and wasting during sepsis, but its role in the diaphragmatic muscle during sepsis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of IGF-I in the diaphragmatic muscle in a murine model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

Male B57 mice were peritoneally injected with LPS, and were killed and studied at different time-points, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after injection. Diaphragm sarcolemmal damage was visualized by orange tracer dye infusion, and the expression of IGF-I, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in diaphragm tissue extracts were measured using ELISA.

RESULTS

LPS induced sarcolemmal damage in diaphragm myofibers from 24 h to 96 h, which was accompanied by a significant increase in IL-1β expression in the tissues while IGF-I levels were down-regulated. No change in TNF-α was observed. Body weights of animals were also reduced, especially at 96 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of IGF-I in diaphragm tissues was down-regulated during sepsis- induced diaphragm myofiber damage, suggesting that IGF-I may be an important factor in the regulation of diaphragm myofiber repair. Further studies are needed to examine the mechanisms involved.

Low-level laser therapy can reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced contractile force dysfunction and TNF-alpha levels in rat diaphragm muscle

Our objective was to investigate if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) could improve respiratory function and inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) release into the diaphragm muscle of rats after an intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg). We randomly divided Wistar rats in a control group without LPS injection, and LPS groups receiving either (a) no therapy, (b) four sessions in 24 h with diode Ga-AsI-Al laser of 650 nm and a total dose of 5.2 J/cm2, or (c) an intravenous injection (1.25 mg/kg) of the TNF-alpha inhibitor chlorpromazine (CPZ). LPS injection reduced maximal force by electrical stimulation of diaphragm muscle from 24.15+/-0.87 N in controls, but the addition of LLLT partly inhibited this reduction (LPS only: 15.01+/-1.1 N vs LPS+LLLT: 18.84+/-0.73 N, P<0.05). In addition, this dose of LLLT and CPZ significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively) reduced TNF-alpha concentrations in diaphragm muscle when compared to the untreated control group.

Activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the diaphragm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

RATIONALE

Studies show that the myosin content of the diaphragm in patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reduced, compromising diaphragm contractile performance. The mechanisms for reduced contractile protein content are unknown. In the present study we hypothesized that the loss of contractile protein content is associated with activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the diaphragm of patients with mild to moderate COPD.

METHODS

Proteolytic activity of isolated 20S proteasomes was determined in diaphragm biopsies from patients with and without COPD (predicted mean FEV1, 66 and 93%, respectively). In addition, we determined 20S proteasome subunit C8 protein levels by means of Western blotting, ubiquitin-ligase mRNA levels by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction, and caspase-3 activity by determining the hydrolysis of fluorogenic substrates.

RESULTS

The 20S proteasome activity was about threefold increased in the diaphragm of patients with COPD. C8 protein levels were not significantly different between COPD and non-COPD diaphragm, indicating increased specific activity of individual proteasomes, rather than an increased number of proteasomes. mRNA levels of the muscle-specific ubiquitin-ligase MAFbx were significantly higher in diaphragm from patients with COPD compared with patients without COPD. Caspase-3-mediated cleavage of actomyosin complexes is considered an initial step in muscle wasting, yielding fragments that can be degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In line with the increased ubiquitin-proteasome activity, caspase-3 activity was higher in diaphragm homogenates from patients with COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to demonstrate increased activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in COPD diaphragm. Importantly, these changes occur in patients with only mild to moderate COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage I/II).

Parasternal intercostal muscle remodeling in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Studies in experimental animals indicate that chronic increases in neural drive to limb muscles elicit a fast-to-slow transformation of fiber-type proportions and myofibrillar proteins. Since neural drive to the parasternal intercostal muscles (parasternals) is chronically increased in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), we carried out the present study to test the hypothesis that the parasternals of COPD patients exhibit an increase in the proportions of both slow fibers and slow myosin heavy chains (MHCs). Accordingly, we obtained full thickness parasternal muscle biopsies from the third interspace of seven COPD patients (mean +/- SE age: 59 +/- 4 yr) and seven age-matched controls (AMCs). Fiber typing was done by immunohistochemistry, and MHC proportions were determined by SDS-PAGE followed by densitometry. COPD patients exhibited higher proportions of slow fibers than AMCs (73 +/- 4 vs. 51 +/- 3%; P < 0.01). Additionally, COPD patients exhibited higher proportions of slow MHC than AMCs (56 +/- 4 vs. 46 +/- 4%, P < 0.04). We conclude that the parasternal muscles of patients with severe COPD exhibit a fast-to-slow transformation in both fiber-type and MHC proportions. Previous workers have demonstrated that remodeling of the external intercostals, another rib cage inspiratory muscle, elicited by severe COPD is characterized by a slow-to-fast transformation in both fiber types and MHC isoform proportions. The physiological significance of this difference in remodeling between these two inspiratory rib cage muscles remains to be elucidated.

Effect of severe short-term malnutrition on diaphragm muscle signal transduction pathways influencing protein turnover

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional deprivation (ND) on signal transduction pathways influencing the translational apparatus in the diaphragm muscle. Male rats were divided into two groups: 1) 20% of usual food intake for 4 days (ND) with water provided at libitum and 2) free-eating control (Ctl). Total protein and RNA were extracted from the diaphragm. Insulin-like growth factor I mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR. Protein analyses of key cytoplasmic proteins for three signaling pathways deemed important in influencing protein turnover [phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin, P13K/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3, and MAPK-ERK] were performed by Western blot. Body weight decreased 30% in ND and increased 17% in Ctl animals. Diaphragm mass decreased 29% in ND animals. Muscle insulin-like growth factor I mRNA abundance was reduced 63% in ND animals. ND resulted in a 55% reduction in phosphorylated (Ser473) Akt. Phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin at Ser2448 was reduced by 85% in ND animals. Downstream effectors important in translation initiation were also affected by ND. Phosphorylated (Thr389) 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase was significantly reduced (35%) by ND. ND also resulted in significant dephosphorylation of the translational repressor initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1. Phosphorylation of GSK-3alpha (Ser21) and GSK-3beta (Ser9) was increased 55 and 45%, respectively, with ND. Phosphorylation of ERK1 (Thr202) and ERK2 (Tyr204), p44 and p42, respectively, was reduced 64 and 55%, respectively, with ND. Total protein concentration for all signaling intermediates of the three pathways was preserved. We conclude that short-term ND altered the phosphorylation states of key proteins of several pathways involved in protein turnover. This forms the framework for future studies aimed at identifying therapeutic targets in the management of short-term nutritionally induced cachectic states.

Sprint-interval training-induced alterations of Myosin heavy chain isoforms and enzyme activities in rat diaphragm: effect of normobaric hypoxia

The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to investigate if sprint-interval training (SIT) alters myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition and bioenergetic properties within the rat diaphragm, and (ii) to determine if mild normobaric hypoxia would enhance the effects of SIT-induced diaphragmatic adaptation. Male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 7/group): (i) normoxic control (NC); (ii) normoxic training (NT); (iii) hypoxic control (HC); or (iv) hypoxic training (HT). The NT and HT groups were engaged in SIT (1 min sprint and 2-5 min rest, 6-10 sets/day, 5-6 days/week) on a treadmill for 9 weeks. Animals in the HC and HT groups were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (14.5% O(2)) during an SIT program from the 4th week of the training period. After completion of the training program, MyHC composition, citrate synthase (CS) activity, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the diaphragm and plantaris muscle were analyzed. An analysis of diaphragmatic MyHC composition demonstrated increased type IIa and decreased type IId/x for both training groups (P < 0.05), with the HT group producing greater changes than the NT group (P < 0.05). The plantaris muscle, however, showed increased Type IIa and IId/x and decreased Type IIb for both the NT and HT groups (P < 0.05). CS activity increased only for the training groups (P < 0.05), and this change was greater for the HT group in the diaphragm and for the NT group in the plantaris muscle (P < 0.05). Further, diaphragmatic LDH activity in HT was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in HC and NT. These findings demonstrated that SIT could induce alterations in MyHC composition from fast to slow within type II isoforms and also improve the oxidative capacity in the diaphragm and plantaris muscles. It is of importance that our data revealed that SIT-induced diaphragmatic adaptations were enhanced when SIT was performed in normobaric hypoxia.

Dietary (n-3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent sucrose-induced insulin resistance in rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of substituting (n-3) long-chain PUFAs (LCPUFAs) for linoleic acid and hence decreasing the (n-6):(n-3) fatty acid ratio on sucrose-induced insulin resistance in rats. Weanling male Wistar rats were fed casein-based diets containing 100 g/kg fat for 12 wk. Insulin resistance was induced by replacing starch (ST) with sucrose (SU). The dietary fats were formulated with groundnut oil, palmolein, and fish oil to provide the following ratios of (n-6):(n-3) fatty acids: 210 (ST-210, SU-210), 50 (SU-50), 10 (SU-10), and 5 (SU-5). Compared with starch (ST-210), sucrose feeding (SU-210) significantly increased the plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations and the plasma insulin area under the curve (AUC) in response to an oral glucose load. Adipocytes isolated from rats fed SU-210 had greater lipolytic rate, lower insulin stimulated glucose transport, and lower insulin-mediated antilipolysis than those from rats fed ST-210. Decreasing the dietary (n-6):(n-3) ratio in sucrose-fed rats (SU-10 and SU-5) normalized the plasma insulin concentration and the AUC of insulin after a glucose load. The sucrose-induced increase in plasma triglyceride concentration was normalized in rats fed SU-50, SU-10 and SU-5. Further, sucrose-induced alterations in adipocyte lipolysis and antilipolysis were partially reversed and glucose transport improved in rats fed diets SU-5 and SU-10. In diaphragm phospholipids, decreasing the (n-6):(n-3) ratio in the diet increased the concentration of (n-3) LCPUFAs with concomitant decreases in the concentration of (n-6) LCPUFAs. These results suggest that (n-3) LCPUFAs at a level of 2.6 g/kg diet [0.56% energy (n-3) LCPUFAs, (n-6):(n-3) ratio = 10] may prevent sucrose-induced insulin resistance by improving peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Quantification of hydroxyproline in small amounts of skin tissue using isocratic high performance liquid chromatography with NBD-F as fluorogenic reagent

In order to determine the collagen content of small amounts of skin tissue, we developed a new, simple and highly sensitive method of measuring the quantity of hydroxyproline (Hyp) using isocratic high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorogenic agent, 7-fluoro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-F). The recovery rate of Hyp and reproducibility of the assay were high, and the test was sensitive enough to detect Hyp in less than 1 mg of skin tissue. This method is clinically useful for ensuring accurate diagnosis and for monitoring specific skin conditions using small human skin samples collected in biopsies.

Defective neuromuscular synapses in mice lacking amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP-Like protein 2

Biochemical and genetic studies place the amyloid precursor protein (APP) at the center stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Although mutations in the APP gene lead to dominant inheritance of familial AD, the normal function of APP remains elusive. Here, we report that the APP family of proteins plays an essential role in the development of neuromuscular synapses. Mice deficient in APP and its homolog APP-like protein 2 (APLP2) exhibit aberrant apposition of presynaptic marker proteins with postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors and excessive nerve terminal sprouting. The number of synaptic vesicles at presynaptic terminals is dramatically reduced. These structural abnormalities are accompanied by defective neurotransmitter release and a high incidence of synaptic failure. Our results identify APP/APLP2 as key regulators of structure and function of developing neuromuscular synapses.

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.

Constitutive expression of inducible Hsp70 is linked to natural shifts in skeletal muscle phenotype

AIM

Constitutive expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is elevated in frequently recruited, metabolically efficient rodent striated muscle. We aimed to assess the relative importance of muscle phenotype vs. increased contractile activity on this pattern of expression using the rat diaphragm, which undergoes a dramatic and sustained increase in recruitment with parturition and development.

METHODS

Diaphragms were collected from rats of various ages (20 day fetus, 1 and 3 days, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks postpartum; PP), and assessed for changes in oxidative capacity, Hsp70 and Type I myosin heavy chain (MHCI) (used as a marker of muscle phenotype changes).

RESULTS

Oxidative capacity of the diaphragm (as indicated by citrate synthase activity) and whole body growth rate (% increase in body weight per week), factors thought to require chaperone activity, increased rapidly, peaked at 3-6 weeks PP and declined late in development. In contrast, at 1 week PP, increased contractile activity in the diaphragm had not altered the expression of Hsp70 protein or mRNA from fetal levels. Significant increases in Hsp70 were not observed until between 1 and 3 weeks, achieving their highest levels at 12 weeks PP. Both MHC I protein (r = 0.69, P = 0.001) and mRNA (r = 0.76, P = 0.001) were significantly correlated with their Hsp70 counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of Hsp70 in the developing diaphragm represents an adaptation associated with a shift towards a slower, more metabolically efficient adult phenotype rather than simply a response to contractile stress.

Short-term influences of lung volume reduction surgery on the diaphragm in emphysematous hamsters

With emphysema, diaphragm length adaptation results in shortened fibers. We hypothesize that passive diaphragm stretch occurring acutely after lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) results in fiber injury. Bilateral LVRS was performed in emphysematous hamsters. Studies were performed 1 (D1) and 4 (D4) days after LVRS, and compared with sham-treated groups. Sarcolemmal rupture was evident in 10.9% of fibers in LVRS-D1 and reduced to 1.6% in LVRS-D4. Ultrastructural analysis revealed focal abnormalities in both LVRS-D1 and LVRS-D4 animals in over one-third of fibers. Myofibrillar disruption was not observed in sham-treated animals. Diaphragm insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was increased in LVRS-D4 compared with other emphysematous groups. Increased IGF-I immunoreactivity was localized to types IIA and I fibers. The abundance of the splice variant of IGF-I mRNA sensitive to muscle stretch (IGF-IEb) increased 3.2-fold in LVRS D-4 diaphragms, compared with emphysema-sham animals. The main form of IGF-I mRNA was unchanged. Marked force deficit was observed in the LVRS-D1 diaphragm, compared with emphysema-sham and emphysema (no surgery) animals. These data highlight a markedly compromised ventilatory pump acutely after LVRS. Acute fiber stretch predisposes to muscle fiber injury and may also be a necessary mechanotransductive stimulus for fiber remodeling as the diaphragm adapts to reduced lung volume.

Static and dynamic x-ray diffraction recordings from living mammalian and amphibian skeletal muscles

Static and time-resolved two-dimensional x-ray diffraction patterns, recorded from the living mouse diaphragm muscle, were compared with those from living frog sartorius muscle. The resting pattern of mouse muscle was similar to that of frog muscle, and consisted of actin- and myosin-based reflections with spacings basically identical to those of frog. As a notable exception, the sampling pattern of the myosin layer lines (MLL's) indicated that the mouse myofilaments were not organized into a superlattice as in frog. The intensity changes of reflections upon activation were also similar. The MLL's of both muscles were markedly weakened. Stereospecific (rigorlike) actomyosin species were not significantly populated in either muscle, as was evidenced by the 6th actin layer line (ALL), which was substantially enhanced but without a shift in its peak position or a concomitant rise of lower order ALL's. On close examination of the mouse pattern, however, a few lower order ALL's were found to rise, slightly but definitely, at the position expected for stereospecific binding. Their quick rise after the onset of stimulation indicates that this stereospecific complex is generated in the process of normal contraction. However, their rise is still too small to account for the marked enhancement of the 6th ALL, which is better explained by a myosin-induced structural change of actin. Since the forces of the two muscles are comparable regardless of the amount of stereospecific complex, it would be natural to consider that most of the force of skeletal muscle is supported by nonstereospecific actomyosin species.

Glutathione and glutamate levels in the diaphragm of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Recently, decreased glutamate (Glu) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were reported in the quadriceps femoris of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Glu and GSH levels are also modified in the diaphragm of these patients. Nine male COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) range 28-68% of the predicted value) and seven male patients with normal pulmonary function (mean +/- SD FEV1 86 +/- 3% pred) submitted to thoracotomy were included. Biopsy specimens were taken from the diaphragm (both groups) and the quadriceps femoris (COPD group alone) in order to assess fibre size, myosin heavy chain expression, GSH levels and amino acid profile. The COPD group was characterised by preserved fibre size, a higher proportion of type I fibres (mean +/- SEM 70 +/- 3 versus 26 +/- 4%), and higher Glu and GSH content in the diaphragm compared to the quadriceps muscle. However, Glu and GSH levels were similar in diaphragm from the COPD and control groups. Glu level correlated with GSH level in both muscles. No significant correlation was found between Glu or GSH level and fibre size or proportions. This study shows that glutamate and reduced glutathione levels are preserved in the diaphragm of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Alterations in glutamate and reduced glutathione metabolism are muscle-specific in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affecting the quadriceps femoris but not the diaphragm. Glutamate and reduced glutathione levels are strongly interrelated in both muscles, independent of fibre type distribution and fibre size.

Clinical and pathological studies of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) with SOD1 H46R mutation in large Japanese families

We clarified the clinical and pathological aspects of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) with SOD1 H46R heterozygous mutation in the Miyakonojo Basin, a region in southern Japan where the prevalence of ALS is 11.4 per 10(5) of the population. We studied 17 patients, including one autopsy case, in three FALS families with the mutation. The average age at disease onset in the families was 44.3+/-8.7 years, and the mean disease duration was 12+/-7.6 years, with a range of 6 to 30 years. Ten of 17 patients were unable to walk by the mean age of 56.4+/-12.2 years. The initial symptom was muscle weakness in the distal leg muscle in all patients. The autopsy findings of one FALS patient showed atrophy of lateral and anterior funiculi, decreased numbers of anterior horn cells, preserved posterior funiculus and absence of neuronal inclusion bodies. Percentages of mutant SOD1 protein measured by mass spectrometry were 14% in erythrocytes, 43% in the spinal cord, 47% in the iliopsoas muscle and 60% in the diaphragm. In this study, we confirmed that FALS with SOD1 H46R mutation showed uniform initial symptoms and slow disease progression with intra-familial variation of disease severity and that inclusion body formation is not essential in FALS with this mutation.

Immunoaffinity purification of calpastatin and calpastatin constructs

It has been difficult to purify calpastatin without using a step involving heating to 90-100 degrees C. Preparations of calpastatin obtained after heating often contain several polypeptides that have been ascribed to proteolytic degradation. Because calpastatin is highly susceptible to proteolytic degradation and several different calpastatin isoforms can be produced by using different start sites of transcription/translation and/or alternative splicing from the single calpastatin gene, it is not clear whether the different polypeptides observed in purified calpastatin preparations are proteolytic fragments or calpastatin isoforms. It would be useful, therefore, to have a method for purifying calpastatin that does not involve heating. At low ionic strength, calpastatin from skeletal muscle extracts binds quantitatively to an immunoaffinity column made by coupling a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to the C-terminal end of calpastatin (epitope between amino acids 707 and 786) to agarose; the bound calpastatin can be eluted at pH 2.5. The C-terminal end of the calpastatin polypeptide was used because the known isoforms of calpastatin all contain domain IV. The eluted calpastatin, which retains all its calpain inhibitory activity, consists largely of a 125 kDa polypeptide (70%), and several smaller polypeptides that are labeled with a MAb to calpastatin. Expressed calpastatin constructs representing the full-length XL-IV calpastatin and domains L-IV, II-IV, III-IV, and IV also bind to the immunoaffinity column and can be purified. The immunoaffinity column is especially useful for purifying calpastatin from small tissue samples in a single step.

Free radical scavengers and diaphragm injury following inspiratory resistive loading

Three groups of NZW rabbits were studied to examine the role of free radical scavengers in preventing diaphragm injury produced by inspiratory resistive load (IRL): control, IRL, and scavenger groups. An IRL (Pao: 45-55 cm H2O) was applied to the IRL and the scavenger groups on Day 1. Free radical scavengers (polyethylene glycol superoxide dismutase, N-acetylcysteine, and mannitol) were given (intravenously) to the scavenger group both before and after the IRL. All rabbits were killed on Day 3 to collect diaphragms. Point counting H&E-stained diaphragm x-sections indicated that abnormal diaphragm muscle in the IRL group was significantly greater than control (p < 0.01). However, it was significantly lower in the scavenger group than the IRL group (p < 0.05) and it did not differ from control. In vitro diaphragm physiological studies found that the twitch tension (p < 0.05) and maximal tension (p < 0.01) in the IRL group were significantly lower than control. The maximal tensions (p < 0.05) in the scavenger group were lower than control. After the fatigue protocol, diaphragmatic contractility in the scavenger group was similar to control and was better maintained compared with the IRL group. We conclude that free radical scavengers can prevent the development of diaphragm injury as evidenced by histology but the protection of diaphragm function is limited.

Modulation by dietary restriction in gene expression related to insulin-like growth factor-1 in rat muscle

Physiological adaptations induced by dietary restriction might include the modulation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis. We investigated the effects of dietary restriction on aging-dependent changes in plasma level of IGF-1 and gene expression levels of type-1 IGF receptor (IGFR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and IGF-1 in the diaphragm and quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) of male F344 rats. The animals were fed ad libitum throughout life (AL), or provided with 70% of diet of AL rats from 6 weeks of age (DR). The plasma IGF-1 and steady-state levels of the genes were quantified by radioimmunoassay and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis in tissue sections was also performed for IGFR. Our results showed that dietary restriction: 1) decreased the plasma level of IGF-1; 2) increased the steady-state level of IGFR-mRNA at 6 and 16 months of age. and the peptide level at 6 months; 3) maintained IGF-1- and IRS-1-mRNA at a level similar to that in AL rats; and 4) delayed or inhibited an aging-dependent increase in IGFR-mRNA in the muscles. The present results suggest that dietary restriction could modulate IGF-1 signaling by augmenting local tissue response to IGF-1 and by maintaining the local production of the peptide, even though plasma IGF-1 is reduced.

Impact of prednisone on TGF-beta1 and collagen in diaphragm muscle from mdx mice

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of prednisone treatment for 8 weeks on the level of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1), hydroxyproline (HYP) concentrations, and level of the mature, nonreducible collagen cross-link hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) in diaphragm muscle from 12-week-old mdx mice. Diaphragm muscle from untreated mdx mice had a significantly higher level of TGF-beta1, HYP, and HP cross-link compared with normal C57BL/10J (control) mice. Prednisone treatment significantly reduced the level of TGF-beta1 and HYP in diaphragm from mdx mice to values similar to control mice, but resulted in a higher level of the HP cross-link compared with untreated mdx mice. These findings indicate that short-term treatment of mdx mice with prednisone can attenuate the fibrotic response in diaphragm muscle, possibly by mediating the level of TGF-beta. Although prednisone was beneficial in preventing collagen accumulation, it resulted in a higher level of the HP cross-link, presumably by decreasing collagen turnover

Diaphragmatic angiogenic growth factor mRNA responses to increased ventilation caused by hypoxia and hypercapnia

This study investigates the effect of increased ventilation on the expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the diaphragm of intact, awake, spontaneously breathing rats, compared with responses in paralysed, mechanically-ventilated animals at similar blood gas and ventilatory levels. Four groups of intact, rats were studied in a body box, each group breathing one of four gases: room air, 12% oxygen (O2), 5% carbon dioxide (CO2), or 12% O2+5% CO2 for 1 h. Another 4 groups of paralysed, mechanically-ventilated animals were matched for arterial blood gas and ventilatory level. The results showed that VEGF mRNA abundance was increased three-fold and that of bFGF 1.5-fold when 12% O2+5% CO2 were breathed, but TGF-beta1 did not change. A significant linear relationship of VEGF and bFGF mRNA to minute ventilation was observed in awake animals (r=0.98, p<0.02 and r=0.87, p<0.03, respectively). The paralysed, mechanically-ventilated animals showed no mRNA increases for any probe. Systemic hypoxia had no additional effect on VEGF or bFGF levels in the diaphragm. It was concluded that messenger ribonucleic acid for vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in the diaphragm rises significantly as a result of active ventilation and not due to blood gas/pH changes or to passive muscle shortening per se.

Effects of the beta(2)-agonist clenbuterol on respiratory and limb muscles of weaning rats

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chronic administration of the beta(2)-agonist clenbuterol (1.5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) for 4 wk in the drinking water) on respiratory (diaphragm and parasternal intercostal) and hindlimb (tibialis and soleus) muscles in young rats during postnatal development (21 to 49 postnatal days). The treatment resulted in very little stimulation of muscle growth. Significant slow-to-fast transitions in the expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms and significant increases in the myofibrillar ATPase activity were found in the diaphragm and soleus, whereas tibialis anterior and intercostal muscles did not show any significant fiber-type alteration. Decrease of oxidative enzyme activities and increase of glycolytic enzyme activities were also observed. It is concluded that whereas the growth stimulation is age dependent and only detectable in adult rats, the fiber-type transformation is also present in weaning rats and particularly evident in the soleus and diaphragm. The fiber-type transformation caused by clenbuterol might lead to an enhancement of contractile performance and also to a reduced resistance to fatigue.

Protective role of heme oxygenases against endotoxin-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction in rats

Reactive oxygen species are strongly implicated in diaphragmatic dysfunction during sepsis. We investigated whether the heme oxygenase (HO) pathway, which is a powerful protective cellular system, protects the diaphragm against oxidative stress and contractile failure during sepsis. A basal expression of both the inducible and constitutive HO protein isoforms (HO-1 and HO-2, respectively) was found in the diaphragm. Enhanced HO-1 expression in diaphragmatic myocytes was observed 24 h after Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) inoculation and remained elevated for at least 96 h. Enhanced HO-1 expression was also observed in the rectus abdominis and soleus muscles and in the left ventricular myocardium of endotoxemic animals. Diaphragmatic HO-2 expression was not modified by endotoxin. Diaphragmatic HO activity exhibited a biphasic time course characterized by a transient decrease during the first 12 h followed by a significant increase at 24 h, corresponding to HO-1 induction. Diaphragmatic force was significantly reduced 24 h after LPS, concomitantly with muscular oxidative stress. Administation of an inhibitor of heme oxygenase activity, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP-IX), further impaired muscular oxidative stress and contractile failure. By contrast, increased levels of HO-1 expression obtained by pretreatment of rats with hemin, a powerful inducer of HO-1, completely prevented LPS-mediated diaphragmatic oxidative stress and contractile failure. This protective effect was reversed by ZnPP-IX. These results show an important protective role for the HO pathway against sepsis-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction, which could be related to its antioxidant properties.

Induction of the ATP-sensitive potassium (uK(ATP)-1) channel by endotoxemia

The effect of sepsis on the ubiquitously expressed ATP-sensitive potassium (uK(ATP)-1) channel expression was measured in Sprague-Dawley rat diaphragms. Rats were treated with either 0.5 ml saline or 20 mg/Kg E. coli lipopolysaccharides and sacrificed at 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h later. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that channel mRNA expression was increased at 3 h and continued to rise up to 48 h. Western blotting analysis showed a approximately 9-fold increase in channel protein expression 24 h after sepsis. Our results demonstrate that sepsis upregulates the uK(ATP)-1 channel.

[Clinical relevance of myosin isoforms in the diaphragm]

The diaphragm as a striated muscle is characterized by the repetition of a single element arranged in series: the sarcomere containing two kinds of myofilaments: a thick one constituted by the myosin, and a thin one primarily composed of actin. The myosin molecule consists of two heads where two myosin heavy chains (MHC) are fixed, a flexible hinge with two light (MLC) chains, and long rod-shaped tails. The diaphragm contains 4 MHC isoforms (MHC-slow, MHC-2A, MHC-2B, MHC-2X) and 6 MLC isoforms (MLC-1f, MLC-3f, MLC-1sa, MLC-1sb, MLC-2f, MLC-2s/v). In humans, the diaphragm contains mainly fibers expressing the isoforms MHC-slow, MHC-2A, and MLC-2f, MLC-2s et MLC-1f. For the mechanical properties of the different isoforms, there is a gradient from the MHC-slow to the MHC-2A, MHC-2B and MHC-2X/2B. According to the circumstances, the diaphragm will adapt towards a slow profile (COPD, cardiac failure and in animals: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, denervation-1 week, age-female, corticosteroids, chronic stimulation), or a fast profile (in animals: chronic hypoxia, denervation-2 weeks, age-males) or a more oxidative profile (in animals: cachexia, obesity). The reasons why the diaphragm adapts towards a slower or a faster muscle are not known. In fact, for a given pathological situation, several factors are able to influence the fiber composition of the diaphragm. Therefore, the net result of the influence of these different factors in terms of MHC and MLC diaphragm adaptation is difficult to predict.

DNA topoisomerase IIbeta and neural development

DNA topoisomerase IIbeta is shown to have an unsuspected and critical role in neural development. Neurogenesis was normal in IIbeta mutant mice, but motor axons failed to contact skeletal muscles, and sensory axons failed to enter the spinal cord. Despite an absence of innervation, clusters of acetylcholine receptors were concentrated in the central region of skeletal muscles, thereby revealing patterning mechanisms that are autonomous to skeletal muscle. The defects in motor axon growth in IIbeta mutant mice resulted in a breathing impairment and death of the pups shortly after birth.

Determination of fluoroquinolone residues in animal tissues using Escherichia coli as indicator organism

Three strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 128, 10536, and 25922) and one strain of Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 3491) were compared as indicator microorganisms in microbial inhibition tests for their ability to detect fluoroquinolone residues. E. coli strains 128 and 10536 were most susceptible to fluoroquinolone residues, with detection limits of 35-50 micrograms/kg for enrofloxacin. Of the 2 strains, E. coli 10536 was slightly less susceptible. Ciprofloxacin was detected consistently by E. coli 128 at 30 micrograms/kg. Other fluoroquinolone drugs of veterinary interest detected by E. coli 128 were sarafloxacin and difloxacin at 100-250 micrograms/kg concentration. E. coli 25922 yielded 100% sensitivity in detection of enrofloxacin only at the 250 micrograms/kg concentration, and ciprofloxacin and sarafloxacin at 200 micrograms/kg. B. subtilis detected only enrofloxacin 100% of the time at 250 micrograms/kg. The E. coli strains tested were insensitive to other antibacterials commonly used in animals, with the exception of ceftiofur which was detected by E. coli 128 and 10536 at 500 micrograms/kg. The B. subtilis strain was not effective in detecting the fluoroquinolone drugs, whereas the E. coli strains were selective for the fluoroquinolones. E. coli 128 was 100% effective in detecting enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in spiked diaphragm homogenate samples at 50 micrograms/kg. Of the microorganisms tested, E. coli strain ATCC 128 was highly suitable as an indicator microorganism in a microbial inhibition assay for selective detection of fluoroquinolone antibacterial residues in animal tissues.

Effects of dilated cardiomyopathy on the diaphragm in the Syrian hamster

This study aimed to elucidate changes in respiratory muscles and their mechanism in cardiomyopathy. The contractile properties and histology of the diaphragm, as well as serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, were examined in 10 hamsters with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (CM) and 10 controls. At 28 weeks, body weight in CM was reduced compared with controls (114+/-10 versus 144+/-14 g, p<0.0001). The ratio of diaphragm to body weight was significantly higher in CM than in controls (0.228+/-0.015 versus 0.182+/-0.017, p<0.0001). In vitro, maximal diaphragmatic twitch (303+/-63 versus 455+/-119 g x cm(-2)) and tetanic tensions (1,555+/-369 versus 2,204+/-506 g x cm(-2)) were significantly lower in CM than in controls (p<0.005). The half-relaxation time was significantly shorter in CM (19+/-1 ms) than in controls (24+/-3 ms, p<0.0005). Fatiguability at 25 Hz was significantly less in CM (28%) than in controls (42%, p<0.0001). Diaphragm and gastrocnemius adenosine triphosphatase staining showed type I fibre atrophy in CM, associated with an increase in the number of type I fibres in the diaphragm. Histological examination of both muscles revealed an abnormal muscular pattern. Finally, serum levels of IGF-1 were 47% lower in the CM group than in controls (p<0.0001) and were clearly related to the changes in the contractile properties and histology of the diaphragm. In conclusion, cardiomyopathy in hamsters: 1) depressed the force-generating capacity and shortened the relaxation of the hamster diaphragm; 2) induced type I fibre atrophy in combination with a myopathic pattern; and 3) was associated with a significant reduction in serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, related to the diaphragmatic changes. Whether these changes are primary myopathic or secondary to heart failure remains to be elucidated.

AnkyrinG is associated with the postsynaptic membrane and the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the skeletal muscle fiber

Ankyrins are a multi-gene family of peripheral proteins that link ion channels and cell adhesion molecules to the spectrin-based skeleton in specialized membrane domains. In the mammalian skeletal myofiber, ankyrins were immunolocalized in several membrane domains, namely the costameres, the postsynaptic membrane and the triads. Ank1 and Ank3 transcripts were previously detected in skeletal muscle by northern blot analysis. However, the ankyrin isoforms associated with these domains were not identified, with the exception of an unconventional Ank1 gene product that was recently localized at discrete sites of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Here we study the expression and subcellular distribution of the Ank3 gene products, the ankyrinsG, in the rat skeletal muscle fiber. Northern blot analysis of rat skeletal muscle mRNAs using domain-specific Ank3 cDNA probes revealed two transcripts of 8.0 kb and 5.6 kb containing the spectrin-binding and C-terminal, but not the serine-rich, domains. Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis of rat skeletal muscle total RNA confirmed the presence of Ank3 transcripts that lacked the serine-rich and tail domains, a major insert of 7813 bp at the junction of the spectrin-binding and C-terminal domains that was previously identified in brain Ank3 transcripts. Immunoblot analysis of total skeletal muscle homogenates using ankyrinG-specific antibodies revealed one major 100 kDa ankyrinG polypeptide. Immunofluorescence labeling of rat diaphragm cryosections showed that ankyrin(s)G are selectively associated with (1) the depths of the postsynaptic membrane folds, where the voltage-dependent sodium channel and N-CAM accumulate, and (2) the sarcoplasmic reticulum, as confirmed by codistribution with the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA 1). At variance with ankyrin(s)G, ankyrin(s)R (ank1 gene products) accumulate at the sarcolemma and at sarcoplasmic structures, in register with A-bands. Both ankyrin isoforms codistributed over Z-lines and at the postsynaptic membrane. These data extend the notion that ankyrins are differentially localized within myofibers, and point to a role of the ankyrinG family in the organization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the postsynaptic membrane.

Oligomerization of beta-dystroglycan in rabbit diaphragm and brain as revealed by chemical crosslinking

The surface component beta-dystroglycan is a member of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex providing a trans-sarcolemmal linkage between the actin membrane cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix component laminin-alpha2. Although abnormalities in this complex are involved in the pathophysiology of various neuromuscular disorders, little is known about the organization of dystrophin-associated glycoproteins in diaphragm and brain. We therefore investigated the oligomerization of beta-dystroglycan and its connection with the most abundant dystrophin homologues in these two tissues. Employing detergent solubilization and alkaline extraction procedures of native membranes, it was confirmed that beta-dystroglycan behaves like an integral surface molecule as predicted by its cDNA sequence. Immunoblot analysis following chemical crosslinking of native membranes showed that beta-dystroglycan has a tendency to form high-molecular-mass complexes. Within these crosslinkable complexes, immuno-reactive overlaps were observed between beta-dystroglycan, alpha-dystroglycan, laminin and 427 kDa dystrophin in diaphragm and skeletal muscle. In synaptosomes, the major brain dystrophin isoform Dp116 also exhibited an immuno-reactive overlap with members of the dystroglycan complex. These findings demonstrate that beta-dystroglycan does not exist as a monomer in native membranes and imply that certain dystrophin isoforms and dystrophin-associated components interact with this surface protein in diaphragm and brain as has been previously shown for skeletal and heart muscle.

Differential expression of myosin heavy chain mRNA and protein isoforms in four functionally diverse rabbit skeletal muscles during pre- and postnatal development

Myosin heavy chains (hcs) are the major determinant in the speed of contraction of skeletal muscle, and various isoforms are differentially expressed depending on the functional activity of the muscle. Using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3' RACE) method, we have characterised the 3' end of the embryonic, perinatal, type 1, 2a, 2x, and 2b myosin hc genes in rabbit skeletal muscle and used them as probes in RNase protection assays to quantitatively monitor their expression in different type of skeletal muscles just before and after birth. SDS PAGE was used to study the changes in the expression level of their respective protein and to determine the relative abundance of each myosin hc isoform in the muscles studied. The results show that for each anatomical muscle, the developmental changes in myosin hc gene expression at the mRNA level correlate strongly to those observed at the protein level. By studying their developmental expression in four functionally diverse skeletal muscles (semimembranosus proprius, diaphragm, tibialis anterior, and semimembranosus accessorius), it was shown that all muscles express the embryonic, perinatal, and type 1 isoform during prenatal development up to the E27 stage. In the diaphragm, low levels of the type 2a and 2x transcripts, which are adult fast isoforms, were also detected at the E27 stage. During the first week of postnatal growth the myosin hc transition leading to the expression of the adult isoforms is complex, and as many as five different myosin heavy chains are concurrently expressed in some muscles at around birth. As the animal matures, individual muscles become adapted to perform highly specialised functions, and this is reflected in the myosin hc composition within these muscles. Accordingly, the expression of the type 1 isoform, and the sequence of appearance and the expression levels of the type 2 isoforms, were exclusively dependent on the muscle type and largely reflect the functional activity of each muscle during the postnatal growth period.

Drug concentration in selected skeletal muscles

We evaluated the homogeneity of drug concentrations in muscle in 14 cadavers, comprising 11 drug overdoses and three cases of chronic therapeutic drug use. Analyses were performed on samples from twelve named muscles and femoral venous blood. Standard analytical techniques and instrumentation were used throughout. There was marked within-case variability in drug concentrations with highest:lowest concentrations ranging up to 21.7. Overall highest concentrations were found in the diaphragm and mean diaphragm:blood ratios ranged from 1.1 (temazepam, two cases) and 1.2/1.3 (paracetamol, six cases) up to 6.5/13.5 (amitriptyline, three cases) and 5.3/21.3 (propoxyphene, four cases). Excluding the diaphragm, mean muscle:blood ratios ranged from 0.4 (prothiaden), 0.5 (temazepam), and 0.7 (paracetamol) up to 3.7 (temazepam), 4.3 (propoxyphene) and 5.7 (amitriptyline). We suggest that muscle is suitable for qualitative analysis but not for quantitative corroboration of a blood sample or as a quantitative alternative to blood.

Cellular adaptations in the diaphragm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the diaphragm undergoes physiologic adaptations characterized by an increase in energy expenditure and relative resistance to fatigue. We hypothesized that these physiologic characteristics would be associated with structural adaptations consisting of an increased proportion of less-fatigable slow-twitch muscle fibers and slow isoforms of myofibrillar proteins.

METHODS

We obtained biopsy specimens of the diaphragm from 6 patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean [+/-SE] forced expiratory volume in one second, 33+/-4 percent of the predicted value; residual volume, 259+/-25 percent of the predicted value) and 10 control subjects. The proportions of the various isoforms of myosin heavy chains, myosin light chains, troponin, and tropomyosin were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. We also used immunocytochemical techniques to determine the proportions of the various types of muscle fibers.

RESULTS

The diaphragm-biopsy specimens from the patients had higher percentages of slow myosin heavy chain I (64+/-3 vs. 45+/-2 percent, P<0.001), and lower percentages of fast myosin heavy chains IIa (29+/-3 vs. 39+/-2 percent, P=0.01) and IIb (8+/-1 vs. 17+/-1 percent, P<0.001) than the diaphragms of the controls. Similar differences were noted when immunohistochemical techniques were used to compare the percentages of these fiber types in the two groups. In addition, the patients had higher percentages of the slow isoforms of myosin light chains, troponins, and tropomyosin, whereas the controls had higher percentages of the fast isoforms of these proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the slow-twitch characteristics of the muscle fibers in the diaphragm, an adaptation that increases resistance to fatigue.

Expression of an alpha-cardiac like myosin heavy chain in diaphragm, chronically stimulated, and denervated fast-twitch muscles of rabbit

An additional slow fibre type, type I alpha, is detected in diaphragm and appears in fast-twitch hindlimb muscles of rabbit under the influence of altered neuromuscular activity. Type I alpha fibres were delineated from fibres expressing myosin heavy chain I beta (type I beta) by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody raised against the alpha-cardiac MHCI alpha. When stained for mATPase after acid and alkaline preincubations, some type I alpha fibres resembled type I beta and type IIA fibres, respectively. Some type I alpha fibres displayed dissimilar mATPase staining, indicating heterogeneity of this fibre population. The appearance of numerous type I alpha fibres in stimulated muscles, which in addition contain type IIA and type I beta fibres, suggested that they may be interspaced between types IIA and I beta. Electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions disclosed an additional isomyosin both in normal diaphragm and stimulated muscles. This band displayed the same mobility as the slowest isomyosin in rabbit masseter muscle. It was recognized by the same monoclonal (anti-alpha-cardiac MHC) antibody used for immunohistochemistry. Therefore, this isomyosin appeared to be very similar, but perhaps not identical to the alpha-cardiac MHC-based isomyosin, probably resulting from discrete differences in the MHC complement. This assumption agrees with additional findings suggesting an even greater heterogeneity of the MHCs than generally assumed. In support of this, we show in atrium and masseter muscles the existence of an additional, electrophoretically distinct MHC isoform which migrates in close vicinity to MHCI alpha.

Intermittent inspiratory muscle training induces fiber hypertrophy in rat diaphragm

The effects of 8 wk of moderate load intermittent inspiratory resistive loading on diaphragm contractility, and histochemistry of the diaphragm, scalenes, and gastrocnemius were studied in rats. A resistance was placed in the inspiratory port of a Hans-Rudolph valve, through which each animal breathed during 30 min/d, 5 times/wk (loaded group, n = 10). These rats were compared with animals breathing through the same device without inspiratory resistance (control group, n = 10). During loading, animals generated mean inspiratory pressures of -3.2 +/- 1.7 cm H2O with a TI/Ttot of 0.69 +/- 0.06, resulting in a tension-time index of 0.050. At the end of training, the diaphragm mass increased in loaded animals (0.17 +/- 0.01% body mass) compared with control animals (0.15 +/- 0.01%, p < 0.01), while scalene and gastrocnemius mass remained unchanged. Diaphragmatic force as well as fatigue resistance were similar in both groups, whereas time to peak tension was significantly (p < 0.01) shorter in loaded rats (18.8 +/- 1.7 ms) compared with control rats (21.2 +/- 1.8 ms), half-relaxation time remaining unchanged. Finally, hypertrophy of diaphragmatic type IIa (+19%, p < 0.01) and IIx/b (+12%, p < 0.05) was present in the loaded group. Histochemistry of the scalenes remained unchanged, whereas type IIx/b hypertrophy (+12%, p < 0.001) was observed in the gastrocnemius internus. We speculate that the latter was due to multiple escape maneuvers. We conclude that intermittent inspiratory muscle training: (1) caused fast twitch fiber hypertrophy in the diaphragm; (2) did not produce any effect in the scalenes.

Effects of hypoxia on diaphragm relaxation rate during fatigue

Skeletal muscle fatigue is associated with a slowing of relaxation rate. Hypoxia may increase the rate at which fatigue occurs, but, surprisingly, mild to moderate hypoxia has not been found to augment the degree of slowing of relaxation during fatigue. The present study tested the hypothesis that severe hypoxia interacts with fatigue in slowing the rate of muscle relaxation and that this can be modulated by altering membranous ionic conductances. Rat diaphragm muscle strips were studied in vitro while aerated with 95% O2-5% CO2 (normoxia) or 95% N2-5% CO2 (hypoxia). During continuous 0.1-Hz stimulation, relaxation rate and force remained stable over time, and relaxation rate was not slowed by hypoxia. Hypoxia accelerated force decline during continuous 5-Hz but not intermittent 20-Hz stimulation. During both 5- and 20-Hz stimulation, relaxation rate became slower over time as force declined, the extent of which was increased significantly by hypoxia. The extent of hypoxia-augmented slowing of relaxation rate during fatigue increased over time and was greater than expected for a given degree of force loss. 4-Aminopyridine did not attenuate or partially attenuated, whereas lowering extracellular Cl-concentration fully attenuated, the hypoxia-induced prolongation of relaxation rate during repetitive stimulation. Thus hypoxia slows relaxation rate to a greater extent than expected for a given degree of force decline, an effect that increases over time, is at most partially attenuated by lowering K+ conductance, and is fully attenuated by lowering membranous Cl-conductance.

Comparison of biopersistence of experimental glass fibres in the lung and peritoneal cavity

Thirty three female Fischer-344 rats were intra-peritoneally (IP) injected with 5 mg of an experimental glass fibre designated X7753. This fibre type had an in vitro dissolution rate of 600 ng cm-2h-1. Groups of three rats were killed at various times up to one year after injection. The diaphragm and any fibre nodules were removed from the carcass and separately digested using hypochlorite solution, to recover the fibres. The number and morphometry of the fibres was measured using phase contrast optical microscopy (PCOM) and semi-automatic image analysis. The data obtained were compared to the previous studies of the durability of the X7753 fibres in the lung.

Neural BC1 RNA in mouse skeletal muscle is a denervation-induced RNA whose expression is developmentally regulated

We detected neural BC1 RNA in mouse skeletal muscle. The level of BC1 RNA was high in the fetus, but it declined progressively to the adult level as development proceeded. These observations suggest that this RNA is involved in the prenatal development and differentiation of muscles. Although its developmental expression correlates with the fetal period of polyneuronal innervation, BC1 RNA does not seem to play a direct role(s) in synaptogenesis, since its expression was not restricted to the neuromuscular junction. We also demonstrated that the BC1 RNA level in adult muscle was elevated after denervation, suggesting that changes in the activity of muscles or neural factors caused by axotomy, or both may result in BC1 RNA upregulation.

Myosin heavy chain composition of adult feline (Felis catus) limb and diaphragm muscles

The myosin heavy chain (MHC) compositions of adult feline limb and diaphragm muscles were determined. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels (SDS-PAGE) were able to separate three different MHC isoforms. This was in contrast to rat muscles, in which four MHC isoforms were separated by SDS-PAGE. The fastest migrating cat MHC migrated similar to rat type I MHC and labeled in Western blots with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for slow MHC and was categorized as type I. The other two MHC isoforms labeled in Western blots with a mAb specific for fast MHC and were categorized as type II. The slowest migrating fast isoform migrated similar to rat type IIa MHC and labeled with mAb N2.261, specific for types I and IIa; therefore, this MHC was categorized as type IIa. The intermediate migrating cat MHC did not migrate similar to either rat type IIx or type IIb and was not reactive with mAbs N2.261, 35 (specific for rat I, IIa, and IIb MHCs), or F3 (specific for rat IIb MHC). In tissue sections, type IIB fibers (based on myofibrillar ATPase histochemistry) were also unstained with mAbs N2.261 and 35. Therefore, the intermediate migrating cat MHC was categorized as type IIx. Consequently, feline limb and diaphragm muscles were composed of fibers containing type I, IIa, or IIx MHCs. The observations that type I and IIa isoforms, but not IIx, had similar electrophoretic mobilities in the cat and rat and that type IIb was absent from cat limb muscles suggest that there is greater diversity in MHC isoforms IIb and IIx compared to I and IIa in cats compared to rats.

Transgenic mdx mice expressing dystrophin with a deletion in the actin-binding domain display a "mild Becker" phenotype

The functional significance of the actin-binding domain of dystrophin, the protein lacking in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has remained elusive. Patients with deletions of this domain (domain I) typically express low levels of the truncated protein. Whether the moderate to severe phenotypes associated with such deletions result from loss of an essential function, or from reduced levels of a functional protein, is unclear. To address this question, we have generated transgenic mice that express wild-type levels of a dystrophin deleted for the majority of the actin-binding domain. The transgene derived protein lacks amino acids 45-273, removing 2 of 3 in vitro identified actin interacting sites and part of hinge 1. Examination of the effect of this deletion in mice lacking wild-type dystrophin (mdx) suggests that a functional domain I is not essential for prevention of a dystrophic phenotype. However, in contrast to deletions in the central rod domain and to full-length dystrophin, both of which are functional at only 20% of wild-type levels, proteins with a deletion in domain I must be expressed at high levels to prevent a severe dystrophy. These results are also in contrast to the severe dystrophy resulting from truncation of the COOH-terminal domain that links dystrophin to the extracellular matrix. The mild phenotype observed in mice with domain I-deletions indicates that an intact actin-binding domain is not essential, although it does contribute to an important function of dystrophin. These studies also suggest the link between dystrophin and the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton involves more than a simple attachment of domain I to actin filaments.

Mechanical ventilation increases substance P concentration in the vagus, sympathetic, and phrenic nerves

Substance P (SP), a neurotransmitter localized to primary sensory neurons, is found in the vagus nerve, nodose ganglion, sympathetic chain, and phrenic nerve in various animal species. However, the changes in endogeneous SP concentration under various circumstances that involve the participation of cardiorespiratory afferent nerves are still unexplored. In the present study, attention was focused on the variations in SP content measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in respiratory afferent nerves (vagus nerve, cervical sympathetic chain, phrenic nerve) and respiratory muscles (diaphragm, intercostal muscles) during positive inspiratory pressure (PIP) breathing alone or PIP with an expiratory threshold load (ETL) in rabbits. SP was found in all sampled structures in spontaneously breathing control animals, prevailing in the nodose ganglion. Left-versus right-sided differences were noticed in nerves. As compared with that in control animals, the SP concentration was markedly higher in vagal and sympathetic nervous structures during PIP or PIP with ETL, and also in the phrenic nerve during ETL breathing. The SP content did not vary in respiratory muscles. These observations suggest that two very common circumstances of mechanical ventilation are associated with an increased SP concentration in nervous structures participating in the control of breathing.

Tissue distribution and immunocytochemical localization of neurotrophin-3 in the brain and peripheral tissues of rats

The tissue distribution of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) was investigated in rats at 1 month of age using a newly established, sensitive two-site enzyme immunoassay system for NT-3, as well as the immunocytochemical localization of this protein. The immunoassay for NT-3 enabled us to quantify NT-3 at levels > 3 pg per assay. In the rat brain, NT-3 was detectable only in the olfactory bulb (0.54 ng/g wet weight), cerebellum (0.71 ng/g), septum (0.91 ng/g), and hippocampus (6.3 ng/g). By contrast, NT-3 was widely distributed in peripheral tissues. Appreciable levels of NT-3 were also found in the thymus (31 ng/g), heart (38 ng/g), diaphragm (21 ng/g), liver (45 ng/g), pancreas (892 ng/g), spleen (133 ng/g), kidney (40 ng/g), and adrenal gland (46 ng/g). An antibody specific for NT-3 bound to pyramidal cells in the CA2-CA4 regions of the hippocampus, to A cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, to unidentified cells in the red pulp of the spleen, to liver cells, and to muscle fibers in the diaphragm from rats at 1 month of age. Molecular masses of NT-3-immunoreactive proteins in the hippocampus and pancreas were 14 and 12 kDa, respectively. Thus, in rats, NT-3 was detected in restricted regions of the brain and in the visceral targets of the nodose ganglia at high concentrations. Our present results suggest that NT-3 not only functions as a classical target-derived neurotrophic factor but also can play other roles.

[Histochemical and morphometric study of the fibrillar population of the diaphragm muscle. II. Cow and pig]

M-ATPase techniques, at different pH levels prior to incubation, as well as metabolic procedures (alpha-MGPDH and NADH-TR), were used to determine the fibre-type content of the lumbar and costal portions in the bovine and porcine diaphragm. The fibre samples were exposed to image analysis in order to evaluate both the morphometrical and statistical values. On the basis of staining reactions, the fibre types IA, IB and IIC were found in the lumbar portion of the bovine diaphragm; in the costal portion of the same diaphragm, IA, IB, IIA and IIC fibre types were observed. With regard to the porcine diaphragm, the I, IIA, IIB, IIC fibre types were present in both portions of the muscle. Further morphometrical and statistical data concerning all the fibre types are obtained and discussed.

[Histochemical and morphometric study of the fibrillar population in the diaphragm muscle. I. Horse and dog]

By using m-ATPase techniques, under alkaline and acid pre-incubations, as well as metabolic techniques (alpha-MGPDH and NADH-TR), sections from the lumbar and costal portions of diaphragm muscle in horse and dog were analysed. Fibre samples were exposed to image-analysis observations in order to determine the lowest fibre diameter and obtain statistical data. The findings revealed that the lumbar portion of horse diaphragm consists of fibre types I, IIA and IIB; in the costal portion, the fibre type I and IIA were present. In the dog, the lumbar and costal portions consisted of fibre types I, IIA and IIC, which showed some specific histochemical characteristics. Some data concerning both morphometrical and statistical fibre-type analysis are presented.

Effect of varying inspired oxygen concentration on diaphragm glutathione metabolism during loaded breathing

Recent studies have suggested that loaded breathing elicits alterations in diaphragmatic glutathione levels that may be mediated by free radicals and may also be linked to the development of diaphragm fatigue. While free-radical generation in a number of pathophysiologic conditions is known to be a function of ambient oxygen concentrations, the effect of varying inspired oxygen concentration on the diaphragmatic response to loaded breathing (i.e., on diaphragm fatigue and glutathione levels) has not been studied. In this study, we compared the effect of loaded breathing, continued until respiratory arrest in decerebrate rats breathing room air (RA), with the effect of the same load on animals breathing 100% oxygen (O2). After arrest, the animals' diaphragms were excised, force generation was assessed in vitro, and diaphragmatic levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were determined. Similar measurements were made on unloaded control animals. We found both similarities and differences in the response to loading in O2- and RA-breathing animals. O2-breathing loaded animals had a greater load endurance, lower blood pressure at the end of loading, higher carbon dioxide levels, and greater high-frequency fatigue at the conclusion of loaded trials than did RA-breathing animals. The degree of low-frequency fatigue was similar, however, in the O2- and RA-breathing loaded groups (i.e, twitch force averaged 7.9 +/- 0.6, 8.4 +/- 0.5, 3.8 +/- 0.9, and 4.5 +/- 0.8 N/cm2, respectively, in the RA/unloaded, O2/unloaded, RA/loaded, and O2/loaded groups, p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)