The proposed research would pursue an investigation of the relations between locomotor adaptations, and the structural and functional properties of vertebrate skeletal muscle. As an aid to understanding the characteristics of these correlated systems, emphasis will be placed on studying animals differing in body size. Ultrastructural and biochemical measurements on lizard muscles will examine how the systems responsible for deactivation of skeletal muscle are modified to achieve twitch characteristics appropriate to stride dynamics. Measurements on frogs will determine whether developmental modifications in contractile properties also occur in animals adapted for saltatory locomotion. Both theoretical and empirical studies will be done to determine the characteristics of skeletal muscles contracting against inertial loads. A series of passerine birds of varying body mass will be used to determine the relations between the body-size dependent scaling of wing-stroke kinematics and contractile properties of the pectoralis muscles that the provide the power for flight. In addition to classical contractile studies, I will measure power output of avian flight muscle in repetitive contractions that simulate the in vivo use of the muscles. Overall this study will provide valuable insights into the relations between how skeletal muscles are used during locomotion and the structural and functional properties of these muscles.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29AR039318-05
Application #
3457010
Study Section
Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Study Section (ORTH)
Project Start
1988-04-01
Project End
1994-03-31
Budget Start
1992-04-01
Budget End
1994-03-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Northeastern University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
039318308
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Marsh, R L; Dawson, W R; Camilliere, J J et al. (1990) Regulation of glycolysis in the pectoralis muscles of seasonally acclimatized American goldfinches exposed to cold. Am J Physiol 258:R711-7