Enzyme histochemistry is probably the best, ATPase with preincubation in 
various buffers to remove selected isoenzymes.  This is found in many 
histochemistry texts.  Other enzyme systems can be used as well.  They all 
require fresh tissue and crysostat sections.

Possibly there may be an antibody against the fibres, if so that may work. 
It would have to be tried by an IHC expert.

If neither is usable, then measuring the circumference of the fibres may 
indicate what type they are.  This was used decades ago to classify the 
fibres in human muscle biopsies, but I do not know how relevant it may be to 
rat muscle.  In any case, a microscope calibrated for measurements is 
needed.  That is not difficult, just tedious.  A reticule is inserted in one 
eyepiece and the markings on it related to micrometers using an engraved 
slide.  You would also need a reference for the sizes of paraffin processed 
(i.e. shrunken) muscle fibres.

Bryan Llewellyn


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Patsy Ruegg" 
To: "'Histonet'" 
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 3:02 PM
Subject: [Histonet] muscle fibers


> Are there muscle experts out there that can help with this project?
>
>
>
> "Do you have any leads on differentiating and staining muscle fiber types?
> We have mixed fiber type whole muscle embedded in paraffin and want to 
> tell
> if there is a difference between rats in the % distribution of muscle 
> types.
> They are sometimes called fast twitch and slow twitch muscles.   Any leads
> you could offer would be appreciated."
>
>
>
> Best regards,
>
> Patsy
>
>
>
>
>
> Patsy Ruegg, HT(ASCP)QIHC
> IHCtech, LLC
> Fitzsimmons BioScience Park
> 12635 Montview Blvd. Suite 215
> Aurora, CO 80010
> P-720-859-4060
> F-720-859-4110
> wk email pruegg@ihctech.net
> web site www.ihctech.net
>
>
>
>
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