Development of histochemical and functional properties of baboon respiratory muscles

Abstract

Morphological, histochemical and physiological characteristics of respiratory muscles of a non-human primate, P. cynocephalus, were assessed from midgestation through adult life. Samples were taken of diaphragm muscles for histochemical analysis, EM and assessment of contractile properties and fatigability. Histochemical analyses were also performed on samples of intercostal muscles. Initially, developing fibers are type IIc but differentiate into types I and IIa fibers by term. No IIb fibers were observed in respiratory muscles of premature baboons. Beginning late in gestation, muscle fibers grew rapidly. After term, IIb fibers were found, and fiber size ranked by increasing mean fiber area became types I, IIa and IIb. After term, type IIc fibers were rarely observed. In EM, large numbers of interfibrillar mitochondria were observed in all muscle fibers of premature baboons but not in all IIb fibers of adults. Histochemical observations were supported by contractile properties. Muscles of premature baboons had significantly longer contraction and relaxation times than adult muscles. Muscles from premature baboons were more resistant to fatigue than those of audlt baboons. The fibers of respiratory muscles are high in oxidative capacity and are resistant to fatigue during gestation. Fatigue of the respiratory muscle fibers secondary to low oxidative capacity is not a likely cause of respiratory distress in premature baboons.