The Effects of Antioxidants and Pulsed Magnetic Fields on Slow and Fast Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Induced by Streptozotocin: A Preclinical Study

Figure 8

Hematoxylin-eosin staining images of soleus and EDL muscles. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to obtain high-quality images of the soleus muscles in longitudinal section and the EDL muscles in cross-section. (A) The structural integrity of the muscle fibers was apparent, with individual fibers containing numerous nuclei (arrows) located peripherally. The perimysium (P), which surrounds individual muscle tissue, contained localized capillaries (circles). The nuclei of connective tissue fibers and fibroblasts (arrowheads) within the perimysium could also be distinguished. (B) The hematoxylin-eosin staining images of both soleus and EDL muscles revealed notable changes in muscle fiber organization, with the presence of pyknotic nuclei (arrows) observed in some of the fibers. In particular, the micrograph of the EDL muscle tissue showed a higher prevalence of disassembled muscle fibers compared to the control group, indicating a potential deterioration of muscle health in this region. (C) The presence of single muscle fibers with normal peripheral nuclei (arrows) indicated a mitigation of muscle fiber impairment in diabetes, with more integrated muscle bundles observed. (D) The polygonally shaped muscle fibers contained numerous hyperchromatic nuclei (arrows) located peripherally, indicating potential abnormalities in the cellular composition of the muscle tissue. Additionally, the connective tissue separating the fascicles was found to consist of capillary vessels (circles), which may play a crucial role in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscle fibers. (E) Individual muscle fibers with normal structures and peripheral nuclei (arrows) were apparent. However, the presence of inflammatory cells in the muscle tissue (squares) indicates that there may be ongoing inflammation and potential damage to the muscle tissue. (F, G) Numerous nuclei (arrows) were located peripherally along muscle fibers, suggesting a high density of muscle cells in the tissue. Additionally, the connective tissue between the fascicles was clearly visible, indicating a well-organized structure in the muscle tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin. Scale bar: 0.5 μm.