21st Annual Student Research Conference
Isometric Muscle Tension Development in MDX and C57BL Non-Dystrophic mice
Jesse C. Lavin*, Cathy J. Bledsoe, Aubrey Zimmerman, and Fred Balch
Dr. C. George Carlson (AT Still University) and Dr. Laura Fielden, Faculty Mentors
To characterize the functional deficit in the mdx model for muscular dystrophy, isometric twitch and tetanic tensions in the gastrocnemius were measured at 3 months of age. Direct muscle stimulation via silver electrodes was used to activate the preparation under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia, and twitch and tetanic tensions were recorded. Volume determinations were used to convert tension measurements to units of Force (Newtons)/average cross-sectional area (m). The average cross-sectional area is determined by dividing the length of the muscle measured at optimal length (l0) by the gastrocnemius volume. Twitch and tetanic tension measurements were then analyzed in force per average cross sectional area. Preliminary results suggest that mdx gastrocnemius muscles exhibit reductions in twitch tension per mg muscle weight. Funding by: AFM and Charley’s Fund
Keywords: MDX mouse, Muscular Dystrophy, Twitch Tension, Tetanic Tension, Gastrocnemius
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 3-9
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15