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Effects of Aestivation on Skeletal Muscle Performance

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Aestivation

Part of the book series: Progress in Molecular and Subcellular Biology ((PMSB,volume 49))

Abstract

Fitness, ecology, and behaviour of vertebrates are dependent upon locomotor performance. Locomotor performance can be constrained by underlying intrinsic skeletal muscle properties. Skeletal muscle is a highly plastic tissue undergoing phenotypic change in response to alteration in environment. Clinical and experimental models of muscle disuse cause decreases in skeletal muscle size and mechanical performance. However, in natural models of skeletal muscle disuse, both atrophy and changes in mechanical properties are more limited. Aestivation in frogs can cause decreases in muscle cross-sectional area and changes in some enzyme activities, with effects varying among muscles. However, long-term aestivation causes limited changes in muscle mechanics during simulated sprint or endurance type activities. Therefore, at least in frogs, there is maintenance of skeletal muscle performance during prolonged periods of aestivation, allowing avoidance of harsh environmental conditions without compromising the locomotor capacity to perform fitness-related activities when favourable environmental conditions return.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomolecular and Sport Sciences, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK

    Rob S. James (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)

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  1. Rob S. James
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Correspondence to Rob S. James .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matao 14, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil

    Carlos Arturo Navas

  2. Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Prof. Artur Riedel 275, Diadema, 09972-270, Brazil

    José Eduardo Carvalho

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James, R.S. (2010). Effects of Aestivation on Skeletal Muscle Performance. In: Arturo Navas, C., Carvalho, J. (eds) Aestivation. Progress in Molecular and Subcellular Biology, vol 49. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02421-4_8

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