Capillary density of tenotomized skeletal muscles. II. Observations on human muscles after spontaneous rupture of tendon
Józsa, L.; Bálint, J.; Réffy, A.; Järvinen, M.; Kvist, M.
European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology 44(2): 183-188
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-5548 PMID: 7190912 Document Number: 160324
Alterations in the capillary density of the musculi biceps brachii was studied in 20 cases during 2 mo. after spontaneous rupture of the tendon. The fiber typing was done using succinic dehydrogenase and myofibrillar ATP-ase at pH 9.4 for the staining and the capillaries were visualized with alkaline phosphatase and periodic acid-Schiff reactions; in each case 1000 muscle fibers with their capillaries were estimated. In the intact muscles the capillary count ranged from 1500-1910 (mean 1740) per 1000 fibers. During the 1st mo. following the rupture the decrease in the capillary count of the muscle occurred rapidly after 4-7, 8-10 and 18-29 days 36, 52 and 66%, respectively, compared to the contralateral muscles. After 2 mo. a decrease of .apprx. 70% was found in the amount of capillaries compared with the contralateral muscles. The obliteration of the capillaries was particularly pronounced in the amount of anastomoses. The capillary supply of the human musculi biceps brachii decreases enormously during the 1st mo. after a tenotomy.