Improved Electrical Stimulation-Based Exercise Model to Induce Mice Tibialis Anterior Muscle Hypertrophy and Function

Author(s)

Nascimento Alves, Paula Ketilly ; Silvestre, Joao G. ; Damascena Sougey, Wenddy Wyllie ; Cruz, Andre ; Moriscot, Anselmo Sigari

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL; v. 12, n. 15, p. 14-pg., 2022-08-01.

Abstract

Efficient and suitable animal models directed to skeletal muscle hypertrophy are highly needed; nevertheless, the currently available models have limitations, such as restricted hypertrophy outcome and prolonged protocols; thus, additional research is required. In this study, we developed an improved muscle training protocol for mice by directly stimulating the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle motor point using electrical stimulation. C57BL/6 adult male mice were separated into four groups: CTR (control groups for one and two weeks), ES1 (electrical stimulation for one week), and ES2 (electrical stimulation for two weeks). Following muscle training, TA was taken for further examination. The results demonstrated a steady increase in the fiber cross-sectional area as a result of muscle training (ES1, 14.6% and ES2, 28.9%, p < 0.0001). Two weeks of muscle training enhanced muscle mass and maximal tetanic force by 18 (p = 0.0205) and 30%, respectively (p = 0.0260). To assess the tissue remodeling response in this model, we evaluated satellite cell activity and observed an increase in the number of Pax-7-positive nuclei after one and two weeks of muscle training (both >2-fold, p < 0.0001). In addition, we observed an increase in the number of positive nuclei for MyoD after two weeks (2.6-fold, p = 0.0057) without fiber damage. Accordingly, phosphorylation of mTOR and p70 increased following two weeks of muscle training (17%, p = 0.0215 and 66%, p = 0.0364, respectively). The results indicate that this muscle training strategy is appropriate for promoting quick and intense hypertrophy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/24418-8 - Tribbles 3 role in skeletal muscle regeneration
• Grantee: Wenddy Wyllie Damascena Sougey
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 16/12941-2 - Identification and characterization of leucine responsive mRNAs in skeletal muscle of rats subjected to immobilization with large-scale sequencing
• Grantee: João Guilherme de Oliveira Silvestre
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/05827-7 - Effect of leucine on the expression of miR-299a and HDAC4 in the skeletal muscle of rats submitted to hind limb immobilization: implications for the control of muscle mass
• Grantee: Paula Ketilly Nascimento Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 18/24419-4 - Effect of leucine on the expression of miR-299A and HDAC4 in the skeletal muscle of rats submitted to immobilization: implications for the control of muscle mass
• Grantee: Paula Ketilly Nascimento Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/04090-0 - Identification and caracterization of mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle mass control and regeneration
• Grantee: Anselmo Sigari Moriscot
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/09398-8 - Interplay betweeen myostatin and mTORC1 pathways in skeletal muscle: implications for a thyroid hormone biological action
• Grantee: André Cruz de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 21/03066-9 - Skeletal muscle mass control by microRNA-29c manipulation: a molecular intervention approach
• Grantee: Anselmo Sigari Moriscot
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/26819-7 - Role of TRB3 on skeletal muscle atrophy
• Grantee: João Guilherme de Oliveira Silvestre
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor