3-DIMENSIONAL LOCALIZATION OF MUSCLE SPECTRIN IN NORMAL AND DUCHENNE HUMAN MUSCLE-FIBERS

We are determining the three-dimensional localisation of muscle spectrin in normal and Duchenne human muscle fibres using immunochemical labelling with anti-human spectrin monoclonal antibodies. The overall distribution of spectrin was demonstrated at the light microscope level by indirect immunofluorescence. To provide a more detailed picture this study is currently being extended to the level of the electron microscope using immunogold labelling of ultrathin cryosections. Work is at present being performed on healthy human muscle fibres, and will then be extended to diseased biopsy specimens.