Temperature dependence of isometric contractions of cat fast and slow skeletal muscles.

Abstract

The influence of temperature (range 38‐20 degrees C) on the isometric contractions of flexor digitorum longus (fast‐twitch) and soleus (slow‐twitch) muscles of the cat hind leg was examined in situ and with supramaximal nerve stimulation. The maximum tetanic tension decreased by 5‐7% on cooling from 38 to 27 degrees C and by about 17% on further cooling to 20 degrees C. The results were similar between the two muscles. The twitch tension increased by 100% in flexor digitorum longus and decreased by about 40% in soleus when the temperature was lowered from 38 to 20‐24 degrees C. The results are compared with those reported for fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles of the rat. © 1984 The Physiological Society