Ultrastructural aspects of intercostal muscles in patients with COPD
Ispas, N.
Pneumologia 57(2): 79; 81-82
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 2067-2993 PMID: 18822871 Document Number: 618354
The studies to the electron microscope have shown that external and internal intercostal muscles present characteristic changes of ultra structural organization in COPD. The diameter of muscle fibers become unequal, sarcolemma shows frequently deep invaginations, having in the near sarcoplasma concentrations of mitochondria and tubes of the system T. Here and there, myocytes appear divided or with sarcomere frequently being in contraction state. Ultra structural changes are more emphasized to the external intercostal muscles, more requested than those internal. In this way, the results show that the intercostal breathing muscle are affected by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.