Work

Muscle phenotype of a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess key muscle imaging and contractility parameters in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rat model (Dmd-KO rat), which have not yet been characterized sufficiently. METHODS: We performed in-vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for thigh and leg muscles, and performed hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and in-vivo muscle contractility testing in specific hindlimb muscles. RESULTS: MRI prior to testing muscle contractility revealed multiple, unevenly distributed focal hyperintensities in the Dmd-KO rat quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles. H&E staining showed corresponding areas of inflammation and ongoing regeneration. In-vivo contractile testing showed maximal force generated by Dmd-KO muscles was significantly lower, and susceptibility to injury was ~ two-fold greater in the Dmd-KO rats compared to wild-type (WT) rats. DISCUSSION: Together, the MRI findings, histological findings, and the low strength and high susceptibility to injury in muscles support use of the Dmd-KO rat as an animal model of DMD.

Source: Muscle & Nerve

DOI: 10.1002/mus.27061

Authors: Shama R. Iyer, Su Xu, Sameer B. Shah, Richard M. Lovering

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Muscle Physiology and Disorders

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases