The objective of this study is the development and testing of a quantitative optical model of striated muscle for the purpose of distinguishing between different mechano-chemical transduction mechanisms. The birefringence properties of striated muscle will be determined under a variety of experimental conditions in which the constituent components of muscle are either organized, constrained or removed in a well defined manner. The optical model will then be used to interpret the birefringence properties of muscle in terms of parameters which are important for a quantitative description of the mechano-chemical transduction process. The extension of these studies to smooth muscle is also contemplated. A full understanding of how chemical energy is converted into work during muscle contraction is important in many areas of physiology and medicine.
| Wu, X; Blank, P S; Carlson, F D (1992) A quasi-elastic light scattering study of smooth muscle myosin in the presence of ATP. Biophys J 63:169-79 |
