Histological and ultrastructural characterisation of Rhea Americana muscles

Abstract

International audienceMorphometrical, histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of rheamuscles were investigated in limb M. Gastrocnemius pars interna and M. Iliofiburalis. Thefibres were larger and the extracellular area was superior in GN than in IF muscle, whichpresented maximum average diameter of 55 µm. Only one type of fibre was found inrhea muscles. Limb muscles were acid-labile and alkali-stable to m-ATPase, presentedmoderate to high SDH activity and high glycogen content. The ultrastructuralobservation of rhea myofibrils showed contracted and stretched areas, as well asabundant glycogen and numerous mitochondria, mainly in IF muscle