OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there are three-dimensional changes in capillaries of rat soleus muscle during mechanical limb immobilization. DESIGN: Scanning electron microscopy, with the microcorrosion cast technique, was used to examine vascular networks in immobilized Wistar rat soleus muscles from 4 to 12 weeks after limb immobilization and to compare these networks with those in the control muscle. INTERVENTION: Immobilization of the soleus muscle was achieved by unilateral pinning of the ankle joint in full plantar flexion. RESULTS: The wavelike structure of the vascular network in the control muscles changed into a straight configuration in 8- and 12-week immobilized muscles.
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there are three-dimensional changes in capillaries of rat soleus muscle during mechanical limb immobilization. DESIGN: Scanning electron microscopy, with the microcorrosion cast technique, was used to examine vascular networks in immobilized Wistar rat soleus muscles from 4 to 12 weeks after limb immobilization and to compare these networks with those in the control muscle. INTERVENTION: Immobilization of the soleus muscle was achieved by unilateral pinning of the ankle joint in full plantar flexion. RESULTS: The wavelike structure of the vascular network in the control muscles changed into a straight configuration in 8- and 12-week immobilized muscles.