The distribution of satellite cells and their relationship to specific fiber types in soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

Fiber type classification of p-phenylene-diamine-stained transverse sections of rat skeletal muscle correlated with electron microscopic observations demonstrate that satellite cells are not equally distributed among the various fiber types in either the EDL or soleus at 1 and 12 months of age. Of the three fiber types in the EDL, satellite cells are observed most frequently on Type IIA fibers, and at approximately equal frequencies on Type IIB and Type I fibers. Satellite cells in the soleus, in contrast to the EDL, are not often encountered on Type IIA fibers, but are preferentially associated with Type I fibers in that muscle. The frequency with which satellite cells are found on specific fiber types is distinct for the soleus and EDL and appears to correspond with their growth characteristics. The distribution of satellite cells according to fiber type does not provide an explanation for the differences in the percentage of satellite cell nuclei between the EDL and soleus.