Capillary density in muscle regeneration induced by mepivacaine

Abstract

In various experimental models used to study muscle regeneration, such as the injection of mepivacaine-type local anesthetic, ischemic necrosis of a large number of muscle fibers is followed by regeneration of the affected area. In addition to causing muscle fibre necrosis, mepivacain destroys microcirculation in the necrotic area. This determines the formo of muscle regeneration since, as has been established for other experimental models including free muscle transplant regeneration of the necrotic area dependes on the growth of blood vessels from intact areas. Although several studies hace dealt with capillary reoformation during skeletal muscle regeneration, little works has been done to quantify capillary density during growth of regenerative fibres. This study establishes a correlation between capillary density in areas of mepivacain-induced regeneration and the histochemical characteristics of maturing regenerative fibers. This type of study has become particularly valuable since the publication of reports showing that in elderly patients suffering from Duchenne muscular (DMD) the reduction of microvascular network gives rise to the isolation of regenerative fibres from the blood supply, this affecting their metabolism and ultimate survival.