On T-tubule openings at the sarcolemma of white fast-twitch muscle fibres in fish and frog

Abstract

In "white" muscle fibres of a teleost fish T-tubule openings may occur regularly at all Z-disc levels between adjacent peripheral myofibrils, the T-tubule openings thus occurring at a density of ca. 0.9 micrometer-2. In frog "white" fibres, T-tubule openings are infrequently seen in material fixed like the fish material. In material prepared according to the albumin method of Gray (1975, 1976 a, b) which renders the muscle fibres swollen, straight tubules or sometimes chains of vesicles instead are seen opening at the sarcolemmal surface. Such tubules occur at a higher density than expected from experiments with local activation of contraction. Lability and dynamics within the T-system normally and during fixation are discussed.