Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Isotonic Contraction”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources

Lactate and acid-base exchange during brief intense contractions of skeletal muscle in situ.

Our goal was to design a stimulation-contraction paradigm using an isolated in situ dog gastrocnemius muscle preparation that would provide an experimental model for brief intense intermittent (IC) exercise in humans. Second, acid-base and ion exchanges across the muscle were investigated using four 30-s bouts of isotonic tetanic contractions (2 s-1, 100-ms train, 50 impulses/s) with 4 min of rest between bouts. During the bouts, peak power output (W) was 18.2 mW/g in the first bout; it declined by 4.4% by the fourth bout and by 12-16% in each bout. Compared with repetitive continuous contractions (CC) at maximal O2 uptake (VO2), W was greater and VO2 (approximately 3.5 mumol.g-1.min-1) and CO2 production (approximately 4.5 mumol.g-1.min-1) were less with IC. Venous-arterial (v-a) differences and lactate output peaked immediately after each bout and were not different from the values reported for CC at maximal VO2. Thus, with IC, VO2/W was lower and the CO2 production/VO2 and lactate output/VO2 ratios were greater than those seen with CC. These differences suggest that this stimulation-contraction paradigm may be an appropriate model for brief intense exercise. The v-a [H+] difference was a direct result of the v-a PCO2 difference. The venous strong ion difference was always greater than or equal to the arterial strong ion difference because the v-a [Cl-] difference was opposite and greater than the v-a lactate concentration difference, whereas the v-a [Na+] and [K+] differences were small.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Thromboxane A2 receptor-mediated tonic contraction is attributed to an activation of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C in rabbit aortic smooth muscles.

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analogue STA2 produced a tonic contraction in rabbit aortic smooth muscles. In the present study, we examined phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis as a signaling pathway for the tonic contraction in rabbit aortic smooth muscles. In the primary cultured cells labeled with [3H]choline, STA2 caused an accumulation of [3H]phosphorylcholine, a metabolite of PC by PC-specific PLC, in a concentration-dependent manner. The accumulation of [3H]phosphorylcholine was inhibited by SQ29548, a TXA2 receptor antagonist. In the muscle strips, STA2-induced tonic contraction was potently inhibited by D609, an inhibitor of PC-specific phospholipase C in a concentration-dependent manner with the IC50 of about 10 microM. Norepinephrine-induced tonic contraction was also inhibited by D609 with a weaker potency. These results strongly suggest that stimulation of TXA2 receptor results in the activation of PC-specific phospholipase C to yield diacylglycerol that contributes to the tonic contraction.

Animals↗

Evaluation of a self-consistent method for calculating muscle parameters from a set of isokinetic releases.

A new method for calculating parameters describing the force-velocity relationship of the contractile element and the force-extension relationship of the series elastic element of skeletal muscle from a set of isokinetic release contractions is evaluated using experimental and numerical techniques. The method calculates from the set of isokinetic releases those force-velocity and force-extension relationships that give a self-consistent description of the data set. The self-consistent calculation method is applied to data obtained from the gastrocnemius medialis muscle of the rat, since for such an animal model both relationships can be independently derived from a set of isotonic release contractions. For the two animals studied, the force-velocity and force-extension relationships calculated by the self-consistent method were in good agreement with the ones derived from isotonic releases performed on the same muscle. The statistical properties of the estimates obtained by the calculation method were investigated using a Monte Carlo technique. The method was found to yield results which were biased by less than 2% and which possessed a coefficient of variation smaller than 5%. These findings indicate that the proposed calculation method can be a useful tool for determining the contractile properties of skeletal muscle as reflected in the force-velocity and force-extension relationships.

Animals↗

[Function of myoepithelial cells in salivary secretion: reevaluation of the expulsion theory].

Although myoepithelial cells have been suggested to provide the expulsive force to secrete saliva into the mouth, direct evidence to support this idea has been lacking. We examined the structure and distribution of myoepithelial cells in rat parotid and sublingual glands, and observed whether contraction occurs in living acini during secretion in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy and the whole mount alkaline phosphatase histochemistry revealed well-developed myoepithelial cells around the sublingual acini. In the parotid gland, myoepithelial cells were abundant along the intercalated ducts but were sparse around the acini. A stress fiber-like distribution of actin fibers was demonstrated by rhodamine phalloidin staining in the myoepithelial cells of sublingual glands. Under a video-enhanced microscope, a rapid shrinkage of sublingual acini was observed within 2 min of secretory stimulation. However, the shrinkage was slight and transient, and thereafter the acinar shape was almost maintained over 30 min, during which time considerable amounts of secretory granules were released. It was suggested that the major function of myoepithelial cells in salivary secretion is the support for the glandular structure through isometric contraction. This conclusion is compatible with our previous morphometric analyses on fixed cells (Noriko Shoi: Kitasato Med 24: 432-434, 1994).

Actins↗

Effects of high resistance training in coronary artery disease.

Resistive activities for cardiac patients have traditionally been discouraged. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a 30 min/day, 3 day/week, 10-week strength training program in 9 stable, aerobically trained, male cardiac patients. The strength training program comprised lifting 80% of maximum voluntary contraction at 5 stations: quadriceps extension, bench press, standing biceps curl, hamstring curl and military press and performing 80% of the maximum number of sit-ups in 1 minute. Maximum voluntary contraction for each lift and body composition via body weight, hydrostatic weighing, skinfolds and girths were determined before and after training. The electrocardiogram was monitored during all maximum voluntary contraction lifts and heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were monitored during all activities. The only change in measures of body composition was an 11% increase in quadriceps girth (p less than 0.05). Maximum voluntary contraction increased 17, 12, 19, 53 and 46% for bench press, military press, standing biceps curl, quadriceps extension and hamstring curl, respectively (p less than 0.01), while the number of sit-ups performed in 1 minute increased 33% (p less than 0.05). No signs or symptoms of ischemia or abnormal heart rate or blood pressure responses were observed during the strength training program. Thus, resistive training at 80% of maximum voluntary contraction appears to be both safe and efficacious in stable, aerobically trained cardiac patients.

Aged↗

Inhibitory effect of GnRH on isolated rat uterine muscle contractility.

The effect of GnRH upon uterine contractions of both non-pregnant and pregnant rats was examined in vitro. In the non-pregnant rat uterus, GnRH inhibited in a concentration-and-time dependent manner the contractions induced by acetylcholine and oxytocin, but not those caused by bradykinin and angiotensin II. GnRH also inhibited the rhythmic contractions induced by oxytocin in uterine strips from late pregnant rats. These findings show that GnRH has a direct inhibitory effect on the rat uterine contractions, suggesting that GnRH-like substances may exert modulatory influences upon rat uterine contractility.

Acetylcholine↗

Fibroblast contraction occurs on release of tension in attached collagen lattices: dependency on an organized actin cytoskeleton and serum.

The generation of tension in granulation tissue undergoing contraction is believed to be a cell-mediated event. In this study we used attached collagen lattices as a model system for studying the cellular mechanisms of tension generation by fibroblasts in an extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts in attached collagen lattices developed stress fibers, surface associated fibronectin fibrils, and a fibronexus-like transmembrane association interconnecting the two structural components. Release of the attached collagen lattice from its points of attachment resulted in a rapid, symmetrical contraction of the collagen lattice. Rapid contraction occurred within the first 10 minutes after release of the lattice from the substratum, with greater than 70% of the contraction occurring within the first 2 minutes. Rapid contraction resulted in a shortening of the elongate fibroblasts and compaction of the stress fibers with their subsequent disappearance from the cell. Cytochalasin D treatment prior to release disrupted the actin cytoskeleton and completely inhibited rapid contraction. The removal of serum prior to release inhibited rapid contraction, while the re-addition of serum restored rapid contraction. These results demonstrate that fibroblasts can develop tension in an attached collagen lattice and that upon release of tension the fibroblasts undergo contraction resulting in a rapid contraction of the collagen lattice. Fibroblast contraction is dependent upon an organized actin cytoskeleton and is promoted by the presence of serum.

Collagen↗

Force: velocity relationship in single isolated toad stomach smooth muscle cells.

The relationship between force and shortening velocity (F:V) in muscle is believed to reflect both the mechanics of the myosin cross-bridge and the kinetics of its interaction with actin. To date, the F:V for smooth muscle cells has been inferred from F:V data obtained in multicellular tissue preparations. Therefore, to determine F:V in an intact single smooth muscle cell, cells were isolated from the toad (Bufo marinus) stomach muscularis and attached to a force transducer and length displacement device. Cells were electrically stimulated at 20 degrees C and generated 143 mN/mm2 of active force per muscle cross-sectional area. At the peak of contraction, cells were subjected to sudden changes in force (dF = 0.10-0.90 Fmax) and then maintained at the new force level. The force change resulted in a length response in which the cell length (Lcell) rapidly decreased during the force step and then decreased monotonically with a time constant between 75 and 600 ms. The initial length change that coincided with the force step was analyzed and an active cellular compliance of 1.9% cell length was estimated. The maintained force and resultant shortening velocity (V) were fitted to the Hill hyperbola with constants a/Fmax of 0.268 and b of 0.163 Lcell/s. Vmax was also determined by a procedure in which the cell length was slackened and the time of unloaded shortening was recorded (slack test). From the slack test, Vmax was estimated as 0.583 Lcell/s, in agreement with the F:V data. The F:V data were analyzed within the framework of the Huxley model (Huxley. 1957. Progress in Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry. 7:255-318) for contraction and interpreted to indicate that in smooth muscle, as compared with fast striated muscle, there may exist a greater percentage of attached force-generating cross-bridges.

Animals↗

4-DAMP analogues reveal heterogeneity of M1 muscarinic receptors.

The muscarinic receptors responsible for two effects elicited by McN-A-343, i.e. the relaxation of the rat duodenum and the inhibition of the twitch contraction of rabbit vas deferens, were investigated by use of derivatives of 4-diphenyl acetoxy-N-methyl piperidine methobromide (4-DAMP). Both receptors had been previously identified as M1 on the basis of the high affinity shown towards pirenzepine. Schild analysis of antagonism revealed that the affinities of 4-DAMP and three of its analogues in the rat duodenum were significantly different from those estimated in rabbit vas deferens. These data indicate that distinct receptor subtypes mediate duodenal relaxation and vas deferens inhibition of twitch contraction and suggest that receptors classified as M1 by means of pirenzepine affinity constitute a heterogeneous population.

(4-(m-Chlorophenylcarbamoyloxy)-2-butynyl)trimethy↗

[Positive inotropic and lusitropic effect of RP 62719, a new class III antiarrhythmia agent].

Antiarrhythmic drugs, especially the Class I family, exert a negative inotropic effect on the myocardium which is particularly undesirable in patients with depressed left ventricular function. Therefore, research has been directed to the development of new, more specific molecules of the Class III family. The authors studies the mechanical effects of RP 62719 on guinea pig left ventricular papillary muscle. This new molecule is a pure Class III antiarrhythmic, known to lengthen the duration of the cardiac action potential by selectively blocking the potassium current iK1 (inward rectifier K+ current). The mechanical parameters were determined during the phases of contraction and relaxation under isotonic and isometric conditions. At 0.2 and 2 microM concentrations, RP 62719 improved cardiac contraction under both isotonic and isometric conditions with an increase of about 30% of Vmax (p < 0.001), the maximum unloaded shortening velocity delta 1 (p < 0.001), the peak isometric active force normalized per cross-sectional area [AF/S (p < 0.001)]. At these two concentrations, a positive lusitropic effect (improved relaxation) was demonstrated by an increase in negative peak of derivative per mm2-dF/s and maximum lengthening velocity VR max (p < 0.01). At higher concentrations (20 microM), the inotropic and lusitropic effects were less marked with a bell-shaped form of the dose-effect curve. This study indicates that RP 62719 has moderate but significant positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. These actions could provide significant therapeutic advantages especially in patients cardiac failure.

Animals↗

Mechanisms underlying stabilization of temporally summated muscle contractions in the lobster (Panulirus) pyloric system.

Muscles are the final effectors of behavior. The neural basis of behavior therefore cannot be completely understood without a description of the transfer function between neural output and muscle contraction. To this end, we have been studying muscle contraction in the well-investigated lobster pyloric system. We report here the mechanisms underlying stabilization of temporally summating contractions of the very slow dorsal dilator muscle in response to motor nerve stimulation with trains of rhythmic shock bursts at a physiological intraburst spike frequency (60 Hz), physiological cycle periods (0.5-2 s), and duty cycles from 0.1 to 0.8. For temporal summation to stabilize, the rise and relaxation amplitudes of the phasic contractions each burst induces must equalize as the rhythmic train continues. Stabilization could occur by changes in rise duration, rise slope, plateau duration, and/or relaxation slope. We demonstrate a generally applicable method for quantifying the relative contribution changes in these characteristics make to contraction stabilization. Our data show that all characteristics change as contractions stabilize, but their relative contribution differs depending on stimulation cycle period and duty cycle. The contribution of changes in rise duration did not depend on period or duty cycle for the 1-, 1.5-, and 2-s period regimes, contributing approximately 30% in all cases; but for the 0.5-s period regime, changes in rise duration increased from contributing 25% to contributing 50% as duty cycle increased from 0.1 to 0.8. At all cycle periods decreases in rise slope contributed little to stabilization at small duty cycles but increased to contributing approximately 80% at high duty cycles. The contribution of changes in plateau duration decreased in all cases as duty cycle increased; but this decrease was greater in long cycle period regimes. The contribution of changes in relaxation slope also decreased in all cases as duty cycle increased; but for this characteristic, the decrease was greatest in fast cycle period regimes, and in these regimes at high duty cycles these changes opposed contraction stabilization. Exponential fits to contraction relaxations showed that relaxation time constant increased with total contraction amplitude; this increase presumably underlies the decreased relaxation slope magnitude seen in high duty cycle, fast cycle period regimes. These data show that changes in no single contraction characteristic can account for contraction stabilization in this muscle and suggest that predicting muscle response in other systems in which slow muscles are driven by rapidly varying neuronal inputs may be similarly complex.

Animals↗

Exercise capacity in patients with beta-thalassaemia intermedia.

Thalassaemia intermedia patients can suffer fatigue and exercise capacity reduction, possibly because of anaemia, deconditioning and lack of exercise-induced haemoconcentration. We studied 21 beta-thalassaemia intermedia patients, 10 splenectomised (group A) and 11 not splenectomised (group B). Patients were evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test with blood sampling for haemoglobin and plasma protein measurements at rest and peak. During exercise, an isolated increase of haemoglobin suggested spleen contraction while a parallel increase of haemoglobin and proteins suggested fluid filtration through capillary wall. Groups were homogeneous for age and gender. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was 22.5 +/- 4.4 ml/min/kg (51 +/- 14%) and 24.3 +/- 7.0 (53 +/- 12%) in groups A and B respectively [not significant (NS)]. At rest, haemoglobin was 8.8 g/dl in both groups. Exercise-induced increment was 0.4 +/- 0.2 and 1.0 +/- 0.4 g/dl (P < 0.001) for haemoglobin and 4.0 +/- 3.0 and 5.0 +/- 4.0 g/l (NS) for proteins, in groups A and B respectively. Anaemia was the major cause of peak VO2 reduction (1097 +/- 260 ml/min). However, anaemia did not explain the entire exercise capacity reduction, suggesting the presence of muscular deconditioning. Exercise capacity is reduced in beta-thalassaemia intermedia because of anaemia and muscular deconditioning. Spleen contraction does not significantly influence exercise capacity although exercise-induced haemoconcentration was greater in patients with spleen.

Adult↗

Inhibitory effects of procaine on the electrical and mechanical activities of the smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig urinary bladder.

Modification of the effects of K, Ca, acetylcholine and rapid cooling by procaine were examined in the smooth muscle of the guinea pig urinary bladder. Contraction enhancement by procaine was observed in 5.9 mM K - and 23.6 mM K-Krebs solution but was not confirmed in 59 mM K solution. Procaine enhanced contraction in relation to membrane activities. Relationships between membrane potential and K concentration showed that procaine reduced K conductance. This effect decreased as K concentration increased. K-induced contracture was inhibited by procaine at 37 degrees and 10 degrees C. Procaine inhibited Ca- and acetylcholine-induced contractions in isotonic K2SO4-Locke solution. Rapid cooling contracture, initiated by lowering the temperature of the solution from 36 +/- 1 degrees C to 12 +/- 2 degrees C within 30 sec, was inhibited by procaine. From these results, it is concluded that procaine has an inhibitory effect on Ca permeation through the cell membrane and on Ca release from sequestered sites, and it is confirmed that procaine enhancement of spontaneous contractions is related to the spike activity resulting from depolarization which is caused by reduction of K conductance (KURIHARA, 1975). The mechanism of the procaine effect is discussed in relation to excitation-contraction coupling in the guinea pig urinary bladder.

Acetylcholine↗

Effect of hamstrings muscle action on stability of the ACL-deficient knee in isokinetic extension exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effect of hamstrings muscle action on stability of the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee during isokinetic exercise at various speeds. DESIGN: Mathematical modeling and forward-dynamics computer simulation were used to study the interactions between knee-extension speed, hamstrings co-contraction activity, and anterior tibial translation in the intact and anterior cruciate deficient knee. BACKGROUND: There is much experimental evidence available to believe that hamstrings co-contraction can reduce anterior tibial translation in the anterior cruciate deficient knee. Little is known, however, about the level of hamstrings activation needed to keep anterior tibial translation within normal limits during functional activity. METHODS: Isokinetic knee-extension was simulated with a sagittal-plane model used previously to study load sharing between the muscles, ligaments, and bones during isometric knee-extension exercise, isokinetic exercise, and squatting exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Some amount of hamstrings activation is needed to stabilize an anterior cruciate deficient knee irrespective of how fast the knee extends. The level of hamstrings co-contraction needed to stabilize an anterior cruciate deficient knee is inversely related to extension speed. Hamstrings co-contraction is more effective in reducing anterior tibial translation than low-resistance extension exercise. RELEVANCE: Excessive anterior tibial translation during knee-extension exercise may lead to damage of the meniscus and other passive structures inside the knee. If anterior cruciate deficient patients can be trained to co-contract their hamstrings during isokinetic knee-extension, then this exercise is appropriate for maintaining strength of the thigh muscles without compromising the anterior stability of the knee.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗

A clinically applicable EMG-force model to quantify active stabilization of the knee after a lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a simple electromyography-force (EMG-force) model can be used to measure different levels of co-contraction about the knee for healthy subjects and patients with an anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. DESIGN: To evaluate an EMG-to-force processing model, two groups of subjects, with and without deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament, participated in experiments in which surface EMG, kinematics and kinetics about the knee were recorded during isokinetic and functional movements. BACKGROUND: Clinical and biomechanical evidence supports the hypothesis that higher level of co-contraction of quadriceps and hamstrings provide an active stabilization of the knee to compensate for the lost anterior cruciate ligament. To quantify the level of co-contraction, the contribution of both agonist and antagonist muscles to the net joint moment must be known. METHODS: Surface EMG levels were calibrated to moment by means of a limited number of isokinetic contractions about the knee. With these calibration values, an estimate of the muscle moments during a vertical jump were obtained and compared with the net joint moment, calculated with inverse dynamics. Also co-contraction indices were determined. RESULTS: The EMG-force model provided a fair estimate of the net joint moment. The co-contraction index in anterior cruciate ligament deficient subjects was significantly higher (mean 0.54 (SD, 0.04)) compared to healthy subjects (mean 0.25 (SD, 0.07)). CONCLUSIONS: Although the EMG-to-force processing model is not perfectly accurate, it is appropriate within a clinical context. RELEVANCE: Previous research supports the hypothesis that subjects with an anterior cruciate ligament deficiency compensate the loss of passive stability by developing higher co-activation levels of the knee muscles, i.e. active stabilization. Quantifying co-contraction may serve as a valuable parameter to evaluate clinical interventions and rehabilitation processes. The EMG-force model presented in this study appears to be a useful instrument for this purpose.

Adult↗

Effect of skeletal muscle fiber type on the pressor response evoked by static contraction in rabbits.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the reflex hemodynamic responses to static contraction of predominately glycolytic muscle are greater than the changes elicited by primarily oxidative muscle. Low-frequency electrical stimulation (continuous 21 days) of the tibial nerve of one hindlimb of adult rabbits converted the metabolic characteristics of the predominately glycolytic gastrocnemius to a muscle that was primarily oxidative. After 21 days of stimulation, the rabbits were decerebrated, and static contraction of the glycolytic muscle (unstimulated gastrocnemius) initially decreased heart rate (HR; -16 +/- 3 beats/min) and mean arterial pressure (MAP; -17 +/- 3 mmHg). Thereafter, MAP increased 13 +/- 3 mmHg above baseline. Static contraction of the oxidative muscle (stimulated gastrocnemius) produced similar decreases in HR and MAP (-12 +/- 4 beats/min and -12 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively). However, the subsequent increase in MAP (8 +/- 3 mmHg; above baseline) was less than that evoked by contraction of the glycolytic muscle. The responses evoked by stretch of each muscle and high-intensity electrical stimulation were the same, indicating that the afferents from the muscle were not destroyed by the chronic-stimulation technique. These results support the hypothesis that metabolic by-products play a role in the pressor response to static contraction of skeletal muscle. In addition, these data confirm that contraction of predominately oxidative muscle can evoke a reflex pressor response, albeit smaller than the change elicited from primarily glycolytic muscle.

Analysis of Variance↗

Quantification of axial forces in rectum-anal canal of the cat.

A newly developed probe was used to measure in vivo axial forces in the rectum-anal canal of the anesthetized cat. Spontaneous contractions of the smooth muscle of the internal anal sphincter were recorded, as were neurally evoked contractions of striated muscle of the external anal sphincter. Bilateral electrical stimulation (1-10 V, 1-5 Hz, 0.05 ms duration) of motor axons in pudendal nerves elicited two responses. One was synchronous phasic contractions of skeletal muscle fibers of the external anal sphincter that were not abolished by atropine but were by gallamine trithiodide. They occurred at short latencies (1-2 ms) and were mediated through low-threshold (1-3 V, 0.05 ms duration) efferent axons in the pudendal nerves. Contraction times ranged from 45 to 60 ms, and contraction duration ranged from 100 to 160 ms. The second response was a progressive elevation in tone of the anal canal due to contractions either of the smooth muscle of the rectum and/or that of the internal anal sphincter. The elevation in smooth muscle tone concomitant with pudendal nerve stimulation may be due to reflex activation of cholinergic neural pathways, since the response was abolished by atropine.

Anal Canal↗

Inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uptake slows down relaxation in mitochondria-rich skeletal muscles.

Isolated fibres from various muscles were skinned mechanically in oil. From a Ca2+-loaded micropipette, local applications of Ca2+ were made. These produced a limited contraction which relaxed spontaneously. The time-course of sarcomere shortening and re-lengthening was recorded by microcinephotography. Application of Ruthenium Red, a potent and specific inhibitor of Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria, did not affect the contraction-relaxation cycles of typical glycolytic white fibres (frog sartorius, pigeon breast). By contrast, Ruthenium Red greatly slowed down the relaxation rate in mitochondria-rich fibres (rat soleus and rabbit masseter). In these fibres, Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria seems to play an active role in promoting relaxation.

Animals↗