The induction by muscle stimulation of a deep pectoral myopathy in the fowl

Thirty min occlusion of the subclavian artery of commercial strains of adult light-weight and broiler breeder fowls had no adverse effect on the supracoracoid muscle. When this temporary arterial occlusion was combined with electrically-induced contractions of the supracoracoid for a period of 4 min, myopathy occurred in both types of bird. A similar degree of muscle contraction without any interference with the arterial supply induced necrosis of the supracoracoid of the broilers but not of the light-weight strain. The superficial pectoral muscle of the broilers was not adversely affected by stimulation. The necrotic muscle resembled that in spontaneous deep pectoral myopathy. These findings are discussed with particular reference to the vascular supply to the muscle and although they are not considered to be due to pre-existing occlusive lesions of the arteries, the basic nature of the causative defect remains obscure. On the basis of this work carried out on commercial broiler breeder stock maintained at the Poultry Research Centre, we conclude that a relatively small number of electrically-stimulated contractions of the supracoracoid muscle will bring about necrotic myopathy.     

The prevention of experimental deep pectoral myopathy of the fowl by fasciotomy

In a previous publication evidence was produced indicating that deep pectoral myopathy (Oregon disease) of turkeys and broilers may be analogous to "march gangrene" of man, a condition which results from strangulation of exercised anterior tibial muscles in a tight, inelastic myofascial compartment. A similar situation pertains in the heavy-chested domestic birds, where the supracoracoid muscle is also enclosed in an osteofascial compartment which prevents the normal enlargement of exercised muscle. In the present experiment it is shown that the supracoracoid myopathy induced experimentally by indirect muscle stimulation can be prevented by surgical incision of the constricting fascia. This would confirm the pathogenesis we have suggested for experimental and spontaneous deep pectoral myopathy. In light-weight, laying strains deep pectoral fasciotomy is ineffective in preventing the development of similar lesions brought about by experimental vascular occlusion.     

The pathology of deep pectoral myopathy of turkeys

The gross and microscopic pathology of deep pectoral myopathy was studied in 35 turkey breeder hens. In this disease the lesions, consisting of strictly focal ischaemic necrosis, were confined entirely to the supra-coracoid (deep pectoral) muscles of one or both sides. Vascular lesions consisting of thrombosis, intimal proliferation and aneurysm formation were located in, and immediately around, the necrotic muscle tissue. Although this peripheral vascular disease would perhaps be sufficient to account for the focal ischaemic necrosis, we have no evidence at present to prove its primary involvement. Furthermore other factors such as stress or trauma may play a contributory part in the development of this condition.     

The sequence of pathological events in deep pectoral myopathy of broilers

The morphological changes in deep pectoral myopathy of broilers have been studied by light- and electron-microscopy and histochemistry from 15 min to 15 months after its experimental induction. Oedema, mild alterations in some organelles and loss of glycogen were present throughout the supracoracoid muscle within 15 min but its anterior region quickly returned to normal. After 1 hour there were ultrastructural indications of the onset of permanent damage to the muscle and its associated vasculature and by 24 hours there was histological and ultrastructural evidence of ischaemic necrosis and glucan phosphorylase and myosin adenosine triphosphatase were reduced. By 3 days phagocytosis was established at the edge of the ischaemic, necrotic muscle and by 9 days there was capsule formation and active muscle regeneration in this location. Grossly the muscle now had the green periphery and pink interior characteristic of the naturally-occurring myopathy and it subsequently became of drier consistency. At the 3rd week atrophic muscle fibres were seen in the caudal region and by the 6th week this part had become an attenuated band of fibro-adipose tissue containing sparse groups of atrophic muscle fibres. There were morphological indications of reduced numbers of nerve fibres in this region. By the 6th month the atrophic region was unchanged and phagocytosis and overall regeneration had become quiescent. Thus, although regeneration was initially active, the extensive destruction in experimental myopathy was never completely replaced by new muscle.     

A myopathy associated with protozoan schizonts in chickens in commercial farms in peninsular Malaysia

A myopathy associated with elongated intramuscular protozoan schizonts of uncertain classification was observed in chickens in commercial farms. Of 152 affected fowls originating from 21 flocks in 12 farms, 149 were 24 weeks of age or older and 136 were broiler breeder birds. Both sexes were affected. The disease was only observed during the months of October, November and December, 1976 and 1977. The monthly mortality rate in affected adult flocks rose by 0.5% to 4% and the egg production declined by 5% to 15% during this period. Most affected birds were in good body condition or overweight. Gross lesions were usually present in all skeletal muscles and the cardiac muscle. They resembled nutritional myopathy, sarcosporidiosis, leucocytozoonosis or haemorrhagic syndrome. Microscopically visible elongated schizonts were demonstrated in skeletal muscles and the cardiac muscle in 49 of 55 birds examined histologically. The possible aetiology with respect to known parasites of muscles in fowls is discussed.     

大鼠胸深肌肌纤维型的组成及分布

目的探讨SD大鼠胸深肌的肌纤维型组成和分布,借以了解该肌功能。方法采用Guth-Samaha肌球蛋白ATP酶组织化学染色法并稍做改良,对成年SD大鼠胸深肌冰冻切片进行肌纤维分型研究。结果大鼠胸深肌经肌球蛋白ATP酶组织化学染色后可明确分出2型肌纤维,即明亮色白的Ⅰ型纤维(慢缩纤维)和幽暗深褐的Ⅱ型纤维(快缩纤维),并且,两种纤维在肌内呈棋盘样均匀分布;图像分析仪下计数Ⅱ型纤维达到65%±6%,而Ⅰ纤维仅占35%±5%,前者明显高于后者(P<0.01)。结论大鼠胸深肌以Ⅱ型纤维为主,属于力量和速度型肌。     

Medial and lateral pectoral nerves: course and branches

During modified radical mastectomy or cosmetic surgery, denervation of the lower part of the pectoralis major frequently occurs and may reduce muscle spasm, with consequent better reconstruction of the breast. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the pectoral nerves and the pectoral muscles. Eight unembalmed female cadavers were dissected and vascular and radiologic studies performed. The lateral pectoral nerves showed a constant course, parallel to the thoraco-acromial vessels. They coursed for 55 +/- 7 mm inferomedially on the deep surface of pectoralis major, under its fascia. The medial pectoral nerves showed two main patterns of branching, which correlated with the extent of the costal attachments of the pectoralis minor muscles. In pattern A (56%), associated with costal attachments narrower than 6.0 cm, the nerve pierced the deep aspect of the pectoralis minor as a single trunk, ramified in the muscle, and gave some branches that appeared on the superficial aspect to enter the pectoralis major. In pattern B (44%), associated with costal attachments wider than 6.6 cm, the nerve divided before entering pectoralis minor and its branches passed through the muscle or round its lower border to reach pectoralis major. The most medial branch of the medial pectoral nerve directed to the pectoralis major muscle emerged from pectoralis minor at the third intercostal space in the midclavicular line, a mean of 10.3 cm lateral to the margin of the sternum. Knowledge of the relationship between the extent of the costal attachment of pectoralis minor and the two patterns of branching of the medial pectoral nerve may be useful when performing elective denervation of the major pectoralis muscle.     

Pectoral and femoral fasciae: common aspects and regional specializations

The aim of this study was to analyse the organization of the deep fascia of the pectoral region and of the thigh. Six unembalmed cadavers (four men, two women, age range 48–93 years old) were studied by dissection and by histological (HE, van Gieson and azan-Mallory) and immunohistochemical (anti S-100) stains; morphometric studies were also performed in order to evaluate the thickness of the deep fascia in the different regions. The pectoral fascia is a thin lamina (mean thickness ± SD: 297 ± 37 μm), adherent to the pectoralis major muscle via numerous intramuscular fibrous septa that detach from its inner surface. Many muscular fibres are inserted into both sides of the septa and into the fascia. The histological study demonstrates that the pectoral fascia is formed by a single layer of undulated collagen fibres, intermixed with many elastic fibres. In the thigh, the deep fascia (fascia lata) is independent from the underlying muscle, separated by the epimysium and a layer of loose connective tissue. The fascia lata presents a mean thickness of 944 μm (±102 μm) and it is formed by bundles of collagen fibres, arranged in two to three layers. In each layer, the fibres are parallel to each other, whereas the orientation of the fibres varies from one layer to the adjacent one. The van Gieson elastic fibres stain highlights the presence of elastic fibres only in the more external layer of the fascia lata. In the thigh the epimysium is easily recognizable under the deep fascia and presents a mean thickness of 48 μm. Both the fascia lata and pectoral fascia result innerved, no specific differences in density or type of innervations is highlighted. The deep fascia of the pectoral region is morphologically and functionally different from that of the thigh: the fascia lata is a relatively autonomous structure with respect to the underlying muscular plane, while the pectoralis fascia acts as an additional insertion for the pectoralis major muscle. Different portions of the pectoralis major muscle are activated according to the glenohumeral joint movements and, consequently, selective portions of the pectoral fascia are stretched, activating specific patterns of proprioceptors. So, the pectoralis muscle has to be considered together with its fascia, and so as a myofascial unit, acting as an integrated control motor system.

Painful and non-painful pressure sensations from human skeletal muscle

Painful and non-painful pressure sensations from muscle are generally accepted to exist but the peripheral neural correlate has not been clarified. The aim of the present human study was to assess the non-painful and painful pressure sensitivity with (1) anaesthetised skin, and (2) anaesthetised skin combined with a block of large diameter muscle afferents. The skin was anaesthetised by a topically applied anaesthetic cream and later lidocaine was administrated subcutaneously. The pressure sensitivity was assessed quantitatively by computer-controlled pressure stimulation on the anterior tibial muscle. Thresholds to detection, pain and pain tolerance were assessed. In the first experiment, computer-controlled needle insertion depths evoking touch and pain sensations were used to assess the efficacy of cutaneous anaesthesia. Touch and pain sensations evoked during needle insertions were found to be superficial in intact skin but when anaesthetised, touch sensation was occasionally evoked at depths related to penetration of the fascia. With the skin completely anaesthetised to brush and von Frey hair pinprick stimulation, skin indentation with the strongest von Frey hair caused a sensation described as a deep touch sensation. Simultaneously, pressure detection and pain thresholds increased but it was still possible to elicit non-painful and painful pressure sensation in all subjects. In a second experiment, a differential nerve block of group I and II afferent fibres was obtained by full-leg ischaemia simultaneously with cutaneous anaesthesia. The efficacy of the tourniquet block was continuously assessed by a battery of somatosensory tests (heat, brush, vibration, electrical and movement detection) applied at the foot simultaneously with pressure stimulation on the anterior tibial muscle. After 20 min of ischaemia, group II afferent fibres mediating the sensations of movement detection, vibration and brush on the foot was blocked but the heat pain threshold was not affected. In this condition (anaesthetised skin and block of group I and II fibres from deep tissue) a pressure sensation was evoked in 70% of subjects although the pressure detection threshold was increased. The pressure pain sensitivity was decreased, which, however, might indicate a partial block of group III and IV muscle afferents. In a third experiment, the tactile sensations elicited by electrical stimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle and skin at the lower leg were significantly decreased after 20 min of ischaemia, validating the blocking effects of group I and II nerve fibres. The present data show a marginal contribution of cutaneous afferents to the pressure pain sensation that, however, is relatively more dependent on contributions from deep tissue group III and IV afferents. Moreover, a pressure sensation can be elicited from deep tissue probably mediated by group III and IV afferents involving low-threshold mechanoreceptors.     

Acute pectoral myopathy in broiler breeders

An acute myopathy is described which principally affects the superficial pectoral muscle (Musculus pectoralis) of broiler breeders between 12 and 20 weeks of age. The disease is sporadic and associated with rapid death. The lesion is characterised histologically by a severe my o degeneration but with little or no cellular response. The cause is unknown.     

Fetal Development of Fasciae around the Arm and Thigh Muscles: A Study Using Late Stage Fetuses

To obtain a better understanding of multi‐laminar deep fascia covering skeletal muscles, we examined nondecalcified histological sections of the arm and thigh of 20 human fetuses aged 25–33 weeks. Morphologies of the fasciae varied between sites and specimens, but the initial morphology was most likely to be a thin and loose sheet on the external surface of the muscles (fascia‐1 or F1). When the F1 became wavy, thick and tight, it was detached from the muscle surface. Beneath the F1, the second lamina of fascia (F2) appeared on the muscle surface and it was also detached. In this manner at 25–33 weeks' gestation, fasciae covering the triceps and vastus lateralis muscles had a three‐layered configuration (F1, F2, and F3). Due to significant individual variations, this process was not correlated to the ages and sizes of specimens. Muscle contractions might facilitate the detachment. In these muscles, the intramuscular tendon joined the F2 or F3 and the latter became thick and aponeurotic. Along the finally developed lamina, muscle fibers carried a desmin‐positive spot for insertion. Increased laminae were accompanied by a reduced number of CD68‐positive macrophages and, nerves were absent, near the developing fascia. In contrast to skin ligaments or superficial fasciae showing de novo development in loose tissue, a deep or muscle‐covering fascia seemed to originate from the skeletal muscle itself at the surface, and this process was repeated to produce multi‐layered fascia. Depending on sites, collagen fibers were added by the intramuscular tendon. Anat Rec, 301:1235–1243, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Interrelation of temporal fascia,temporalis and masseter muscles

Introduction

In the study; interrelation in between the distal part of deep layer of temporal fascia, temporalis muscle and the muscle fibers of deep layer of masseter were examined in order to detect the possible different relationships in between them.

Histopathology of monensin-tiamulin myopathy in broiler chicks

Thirty-six 7-day-old broiler chicks were simultaneously given food containing monensin, and water containing tiamulin, both drugs being at normal levels of usage. Equal numbers of chicks on a basal diet and plain water served as the controls. Anorexia, depression, drowsiness, leg weakness and a decrease in body weight appeared on days 2 to 3 of administration in several treated chicks. These clinical signs and growth retardation were prevalent and severe on days 4 to 7, at which time some chicks became recumbent. From day 9, chicks showed gradual recovery from the clinical signs and growth retardation. Histopathologically, the neck and leg skeletal muscles examined were severely affected in treated chicks, but cardiac and pectoral muscles were intact. Besides hyalinisation and floccular change which appeared infrequently in early stage of the experiment, muscle fibres showing an enlargement of the nuclei and a distention of a pale to basophilic sarcoplasm, suggestive of partial myofibrillar lysis and subsequent reparative change, dominated all affected muscles. These degenerative and reparative changes were considered to be distinctive for monensin-tiamulin myopathy in chicks.     

A study on the communication between the pectoral nerve and the extramural nerve branches of the intercostal nerves]

Kumaki et al. (1979) defined the extramural nerve as the rudimentary sensory nerve which appeared on the upper thoracic wall; it branched off the root of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the second, third or fourth intercostal nerve, ran inferomedially adhering to the fascia of the intercostalis externus muscle and ended supplying the membrane covering the adjacent rib. They also stated that the extramural nerve (Rxm) occasionally became a cutaneous nerve which pierced the pectoralis muscles and supplied the skin covering the thoracic wall similar to the lateral cutaneous nerve (Rcl) or the anterior cutaneous nerve (Rca). Further, they proposed that the muscular nerves to the obliquus externus abdominis muscle which are usually situated below the fifth rib might be considered a part of this Rxm series. Although the definition of Rxm is still not widely accepted, Rxm is thought to be a key morphological factor influencing the variations of peripheral nerve arrangement on the thoracic wall. In the student course of gross anatomy dissection at Iwate Medical University School of Medicine during the years 1987-1991, three cases of Rxm communicating with the pectoral nerve and supplying the pectoralis major muscle were observed. Some cases have been reported in which Rcl innervates part of the pectoral muscles. However, the communication between the pectoral nerve and Rxm has not yet been discussed. Therefore, to clarify the morphological significance of the communication between Rxm and the pectoral nerve, the branching pattern and the distribution of the pectoral nerves were extensively investigated and the intramuscular nerve supply of some pectoral nerves, especially the pectoral nerves which communicated with Rxm, was examined in detail under a stereomicroscope. The results are summarized as follows: 1. In the first case, Rxm of the second intercostal nerve originated from Rcl, ran inferomedially adhering to the fascia of the intercostalis externus muscle and pierced the origin of the pectoralis minor muscle at the third intercostal space. Then Rxm turned superolaterally to communicate with a pectoral nerve which originated from the loop composed of the lateral and medial pectoral nerves and passed inferior to the pectoralis minor muscle. After communication, the pectoral nerve with Rxm supplied the caudalmost part of the sternocostal portion of the pectoralis major muscle. In the second case, a similar branch of Rxm of the second intercostal nerve passed inferior to the pectoralis minor muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Molecular typing of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli colonies originating from outbreaks of E. coli peritonitis syndrome in chicken flocks

Escherichia coli colonies isolated from the bone marrow of fresh dead hens of laying flocks with the E. coli peritonitis syndrome (EPS) were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Typing is important from an epidemiological point of view and also if the use of autogenous (auto)vaccines is considered. Birds with EPS originated from one house of each of three layer farms and one broiler breeder farm. Farms were considered as separate epidemiological units. In total, six flocks were examined including two successive flocks of one layer farm and the broiler breeder farm. E. coli colonies (one per bird) from nine to 16 hens of each flock were genotyped. The clonality of E. coli within birds was studied using five colonies of each of nine to 14 birds per flock. E. coli genotypes, which totalled 15, differed between farms and flocks except for two successive layer flocks that shared three genotypes. One to five genotypes were found per flock with one or two genotypes dominating each outbreak. Within hens, E. coli bacteria were always clonal. Colonies of the same PFGE type always had the same multilocus sequence type. However, four PFGE types shared sequence type 95. Neither PFGE types nor multilocus sequence types were unambiguously related to avian pathogenic E. coli from EPS. In cases where persistence of E. coli strains associated with EPS is found to occur frequently, routine genotyping to select strains for autovaccines should be considered.     

Observations on the influence of intestinal spirochaetosis in broiler breeders on the performance of their progeny and on egg production.

Observations were made on the effect of avian intestinal spirochaetosis (AIS) in eight broiler breeder flocks on the performance of their commercial broiler progeny flocks, and also on the production of eggs and the selection of hatching eggs. The effect of treatment on egg production was analysed. The broiler breeder flocks were examined for the presence or absence of antibodies, spirochaetes and clinical signs of AIS, and correlated with the performance data from 136 commercial broiler flocks produced by them. Broiler flocks from affected breeders with clinical signs of AIS had a poorer feed conversion of approximately 90 g per kg growth, an increased number of weak chicks, slower growth and poorer feed digestion than the offspring of unaffected flocks including those previously infected with AIS but without clinical signs. Breeder flocks with clinical signs produced 7.5% less eggs than unaffected flocks. A larger number of eggs (+ 3%) was considered to have insufficient weight for successful hatching. Treatment of hens before the onset of lay prevented the negative effects on egg production but later treatment was less effective. These findings indicate that AIS in broiler breeder flocks is associated with significant production losses through decreased broiler flock performance and decreased egg production and quality.     

Hyaluronan within fascia in the etiology of myofascial pain

The layers of loose connective tissue within deep fasciae were studied with particular emphasis on the histochemical distribution of hyaluronan (HA). Samples of deep fascia together with the underlying muscles were taken from neck, abdomen and thigh from three fresh non-embalmed cadavers. Samples were stained with hematoxylin–eosin, Azan-Mallory, Alcian blue and a biotinylated HA-binding protein specific for HA. An ultrasound study was also performed on 22 voluntary subjects to analyze the thickness of these deep fasciae and their sublayers. The deep fascia presented a layer of HA between fascia and the muscle and within the loose connective tissue that divided different fibrous sublayers of the deep fascia. A layer of fibroblast-like cells that stained prominently with Alcian blue stain was observed. It was postulated that these are cells specialized for the biosynthesis of the HA-rich matrix. These cells we have termed “fasciacytes”, and may represent a new class of cells not previously recognized. The ultrasound study highlighted a mean thickness of 1.88 mm of the fascia lata, 1.68 mm of the rectus sheath, and 1.73 mm of the sternocleidomastoid fascia. The HA within the deep fascia facilitates the free sliding of two adjacent fibrous fascial layers, thus promoting the normal function associated with the deep fascia. If the HA assumes a more packed conformation, or more generally, if the loose connective tissue inside the fascia alters its density, the behavior of the entire deep fascia and the underlying muscle would be compromised. This, we predict, may be the basis of the common phenomenon known as “myofascial pain.”     

Fascial bundles of the infraspinatus fascia: anatomy,function, and clinical considerations

The infraspinatus fascia is a tough sheet of connective tissue that covers the infraspinatus fossa of the scapula and the muscle within. Muscle fibers originate from the fossa and fascia and then travel laterally to insert on the greater tubercle of the humerus. Frequently the infraspinatus fascia is quickly removed to appreciate the underlying muscle, but the fascia is an interesting and complex structure in its own right. Despite having a characteristic set of fascial bundles, no contemporary anatomy texts or atlases describe the fascia in detail. The infraspinatus fascia was dissected in detail in 11 shoulders, to characterize the fascial bundles and connections that contribute to it. Thereafter, 70 shoulders were dissected to tabulate the variability of the fascial bundles and connections. Six characteristic features of the infraspinatus fascia were noted: a medial band, an inferior‐lateral band, and superior‐lateral band of fascia, insertion of the posterior deltoid into the infraspinatus fascia, a transverse connection from the posterior deltoid muscle to the infraspinatus fascia, and a retinacular sheet deep to the deltoid and superficial to the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. Although other structures of the shoulder are more frequently injured, the infraspinatus fascia is involved in compartment syndromes and the fascial bundles of this structure are certain to impact the biomechanical function of the muscles of the posterior shoulder.     

The detection of the big liver and spleen agent in infected tissues via intravenous chick embryo inoculation

Partially purified homogenates prepared from the livers of birds affected with BLS were used to inoculate intravenously young adult broiler breeder hens and incubating chicken embryos. Following inoculation, the broiler breeders developed pathological and serological responses typical of BLS infection. The same antigen resulted in persistent antigenaemia in chickens which were inoculated during various stages of incubation. This technique was very sensitive and could be used for detection and titration of virus in tissue preparations. Methods for optimization of the technique were investigated. Chick embryos demonstrated the greatest susceptibility to agent replication when inoculated at 11 days of embryonation. After hatching, agent replication appears to increase with age. Inoculated chickens bled at 8 days of age showed increased incidence of antigenaemia by this procedure.