This study investigates morphological adaptations of rat extensor digitorum longus muscle to chronic low-frequency stimulation (10 Hz, 10 h/d, up to 61±7d). During the early stimulation period (2–4 d), increased basophilia and accumulation of RNA were seen predominantly in type-IIB fibers. Putative satellite cell activation, as indicated by3H-thymidine incorporation, was also evident during this phase. By 12 d, fiber composition remained unaltered, but there was a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the type-IIB fibers. Following 28 d of low-frequency stimulation, the percentage of type-IIB fibers decreased from 43±3 to 0, while type-IID fibers increased from 30±3 to 60±6. The fraction of type-IIA fibers tended to increase (controls 19±3; stimulated 29±4), whereas that of the type-I fibers was unaltered (4±1). At this time, the cross-sectional area of type-IID fibers was unaltered, but that of type-IIA and type-I fibers increased. Further stimulation resulted in a return of type-IID fibers to control levels (23±5), and a marked increase in type-IIA fibers (45±8). The percentage of type-I fibers increased from 4±1 to 8±1. Throughout each stage of chronic stimulation, there was no histological evidence of fiber degeneration and regeneration. These results indicate that, in contrast to the rabbit, chronic low-frequency stimulation-induced fiber conversion in the rat extensor digitorum longus muscle is entirely due to fiber tr
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