Three-dimensional structure of the vascular network in normal and immobilized muscles of the rat

Objective: To examine whether there are three-dimensional changes in capillaries of rat soleus muscle during mechanical limb immobilization. Design: Scanning electron microscopy, with the microcorrosion cast technique, was used to examine vascular networks in immobilized Wistar rat soleus muscles from 4 to 12 weeks after limb immobilization and to compare these networks with those in the control muscle. Intervention: Immobilization of the soleus muscle was achieved by unilateral pinning of the ankle joint in full plantar flexion. Results: The wavelike structure of the vascular network in the control muscles changed into a straight configuration in 8- and 12-week immobilized muscles. (C) 1998 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.