OCCURRENCE AND HISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GIANT FIBERS IN MUSCLE OF GROWING AND ADULT ANIMALS

Giant fibers in porcine muscle have a variable reaction for DPNH-TR, a very negative reaction for amylophosphorylase and a very positive reaction for ATPase. This unusual histochemical reaction pattern, together with the finding that giant fibers occur in the muscle of adult animals, argues against their being the classical Wohlfart B fiber. The association of giant fibers with animal stress-susceptibility and muscle pathology is discussed. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.