Persistent expression of developmental myosin heavy chain isoforms in the tapered ends of adult pigeon pectoralis muscle fibres

We have shown previously that in addition to the adult myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform present throughout the length of each fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibre within the pectoralis of the mature chicken, the neonatal isoform is retained in the tapered ends of these fibres. This work, however, has been the only published report of this phenomenon. Here, we tested the hypothesis that similar to the chicken, the ends of mature pigeon pectoralis muscle fibres contain developmental MyHC isoform(s). A histological stain was used to visualize endomysium to assist in the analysis of transverse sections of pectoralis muscle from four mature pigeons. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to localize MyHC isoform(s) characteristic of pigeon pectoralis development. We show that within mature pigeon pectoralis, the ends of both fast-twitch glycolytic and fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic fibre types express MyHC isoform(s) characteristic of their earlier development. Thus, we extend our findings on chicken to another species and an additional muscle fibre type. Retention of developmental MyHC isoform(s) within the tapered ends of mature muscle fibres may be more widespread than is currently appreciated.