Modified Method of Metachromatic Dye-ATPase for Identification of Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types

Objective: To improve the ATPase stains method for identification of skeletal muscle fiber types and supply reference for some experiments concerned.Result: In Protocol One,four skeletal muscle fiber types(types I,IIA,IIB,and IIC) can be identified.Optimal staining of rats skeletal muscle is shown when pH of preincubation solution is about 4.35,but it of toads is 4.40 to 4.70.Only three skeletal muscle fiber types(types I,IIA,and IIB) can be shown using the substituent reagents in Protocol Two,and the pH of preincubation solution is different between rats and toads when optimal result occur.Conclusion: By use of metachromatic dye-ATPase method to identify skeletal muscle fiber types,four skeletal muscle fiber types can be identified using Protocol One;three skeletal muscle fiber types can be shown in protocol Two.There is difference of optimal staining conditions between rats and toads and the difference of species.