Abstract

1. β R fibres (type I) constitute less than 10% of the semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi muscles and about twice as much of the gluteobiceps and flexor hallucis.

2. Except for longissimus dorsi, 50% or more consist of αW (type IIB) fibres—in semimembranous, as much as 70%.

3. Despite the comparatively large content of α W fibres, both the oxidative capacity and the capacity to metabolize fatty acids is high.

4. Furthermore, unexpectedly small differences in oxidative capacity between the three fibre types β R, α R and α W (I, IIA and IIB) are revealed by histochemical staining.

5. These results indicate a tendency to bring the three fibre types closer together as regards metabolic activities, as an adaptation to the relatively tranquil life of this animal.

6. However, the large content of aW fibres does not accord well with this way of life, as they guarantee quick movements.

7. The comparatively high oxidative capacity of the α W fibres in the Svalbard reindeer and the fact that during starvation it is primarily α W fibres that contribute to the energy supply by protein degradation may nevertheless account for their abundant occurrence.

Published in

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Physiology
1984, Volume: 77, number: 1, pages: 75-78 Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

SLU Authors

• Kiessling, Karl-Heinz

  • Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Kiessling, Anders

  • Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Zoology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0300-9629(84)90014-8

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/80496