Muscle contractile properties in diabetic rats

It is very well known that diabetes mellitus influences biochemical, morphologic, contractile and electrical effects of skeletal muscles. (Ashton et al., 1980; Grossic, 1982; Cameron et al., 1991; Pepato et al., 1996). Although all the authors were in agreement on most aspects of diabetic muscle changes, there were marked differences in some. For example, Ashton et al. (1980) reported a increased relaxation of extensor digitorum longus (EDL), while Grossic (loc. cit.) found no change. In this study it was aimed to investigate the changes in the isometric contraction properties and capillary densities of Soleas (SOL) and EDL muscles in the rats 30 days after they were made diabetic by a single injection of streptozotolin (STZ).