Isometric Tension Differences in Fibers of Red and White Muscles

Abstract

Measurements of maximum isometric tension and rate of onset of tension in fibers of glycerinated rat muscle indicate that the red soleus fibers develop significantly higher tensions than do white medial gastrocnemius fibers. Gastrocnemius fibers develop tension at a significantly faster rate than soleus fibers, however. These differences seem to be related to formation of actinmyosin cross-links.