The visualization of myosatellite cells in normal and denervated muscle: a new light microscopic staining technique.

A new light microscopic staining technique allows the visualization of satellite cells on the surface of myofibers. Either prior to or during fixation, whole frog sartorius muscles are bathed in an acidic buffered solution containing lead nitrate and subsequently exposed to ammonium sulfide. The staining of the satellite cells resulting from this procedure reveals their positions, and the outlines of their cell processes which occasionally branch. Electron microscopy shows that the staining is due to lead deposits localized between apposing membranes of satellite cells and associated myofibers. Prior exposure to N-ethyl-maleimide (NEM) does not alter the formation of the lead deposits on the satellite cell, but reduces the amount of Pb deposits on the muscle surface and connective tissue. This technique has been applied to determine the effects of denervation on the satellite cells of frog sartorius muscles. Four weeks after denervation, the number of satellite cells is essentially the same in both denervated muscles and the intact muscles of the contralateral side. However, denervation results in a subpopulation of satellite cells with altered shapes. They have elongated cytoplasmic processes which often branch. It is suggested that these supernumerary cytoplasmic processes represent an intermediate phase in the transition of satellite cells to myoblasts.