Intrafusal Research Articles

ESTIMATION OF ANKLE JOINT ANGLE FROM PERONEAL AND TIBIAL ELECTRONEUROGRAMS — A MUSCLE SPINDLE MODEL APPROACH

This study develops a method for estimating the angle of a passively stretched ankle joint from electroneurograms (ENGs) based on structural muscle spindle models of the tibial and peroneal nerves. Passive ramp-and-hold and alternating stretches of the ankle joint are performed on an anesthetized rabbit. Two cuff electrodes are employed to measure the ENGs of peroneal and tibial nerves simultaneously. From the two ENG signals and the joint angle trajectory, two intrafusal muscle fiber models are constructed and their inverse models are derived. The results of the two models are combined to generate the final angle estimate. An optimization method, called sequential quadratic programming, is employed to find the model parameters that minimize the squared errors between the ankle angles predicted by the model and the measured ankle angles. The performance of the proposed approach is compared with those of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and an artificial neural network model. The results reveal that the proposed model has the best performance in estimating the ankle joint angle in large-range movements and the smallest tracing error. The proposed method effectively estimates the passive ankle joint angle using the inverse physiological model of an intrafusal muscle fiber.

Illusion caused by vibration of muscle spindles reveals an involvement of muscle spindle inputs in regulating isometric contraction of masseter muscles

Spindle Ia afferents may be differentially involved in voluntary isometric contraction, depending on the pattern of synaptic connections in spindle reflex pathways. We investigated how isometric contraction of masseter muscles is regulated through the activity of their muscle spindles that contain the largest number of intrafusal fibers among skeletal muscle spindles by examining the effects of vibration of muscle spindles on the voluntary isometric contraction. Subjects were instructed to hold the jaw at resting position by counteracting ramp loads applied on lower molar teeth. In response to the increasing-ramp load, the root mean square (RMS) of masseter EMG activity almost linearly increased under no vibration, while displaying a steep linear increase followed by a slower increase under vibration. The regression line of the relationship between the load and RMS was significantly steeper under vibration than under no vibration, suggesting that the subjects overestimated the ramp load and excessively counteracted it as reflected in the emergence of bite pressure. In response to the decreasing-ramp load applied following the increasing one, the RMS hardly decreased under vibration unlike under no vibration, leading to a generation of bite pressure even after the offset of the negative-ramp load until the vibration was ceased. Thus the subjects overestimated the increasing rate of the load while underestimating the decreasing rate of the load, due to the vibration-induced illusion of jaw opening. These observations suggest that spindle Ia/II inputs play crucial roles both in estimating the load and in controlling the isometric contraction of masseter muscles in the jaw-closed position.

Wnt7A Identifies Embryonic -Motor Neurons and Reveals Early Postnatal Dependence of -Motor Neurons on a Muscle Spindle-Derived Signal

Motor pools comprise a heterogeneous population of motor neurons that innervate distinct intramuscular targets. While the organization of motor neurons into motor pools has been well described, the time course and mechanism of motor pool diversification into functionally distinct classes remains unclear. γ-Motor neurons (γ-MNs) and α-motor neurons (α-MNs) differ in size, molecular identity, synaptic input and peripheral target. While α-MNs innervate extrafusal skeletal muscle fibers to mediate muscle contraction, γ-MNs innervate intrafusal fibers of the muscle spindle, and regulate sensitivity of the muscle spindle in response to stretch. In this study, we find that the secreted signaling molecule Wnt7a is selectively expressed in γ-MNs in the mouse spinal cord by embryonic day 17.5 and continues to molecularly distinguish γ-from α-MNs into the third postnatal week. Our data demonstrate that Wnt7a is the earliest known γ-MN marker, supporting a model of developmental divergence between α- and γ-MNs at embryonic stages. Furthermore, using Wnt7a expression as an early marker of γ-MN identity, we demonstrate a previously unknown dependence of γ-MNs on a muscle spindle-derived, GDNF-independent signal during the first postnatal week.

P01.25. Classification of L6 muscle spindle afferents in the anesthesized cat

Purpose Patients with low back pain demonstrate proprioceptive difficulties including spinal repositioning errors and impaired lumbosacral proprioceptive acuity. Few data are available regarding proprioceptive properties of muscle spindles in the low back. Muscle spindle afferents can originate from 2 types of receptive endings which terminate and respond to mechanical changes in 3 types of intrafusal fibers. Receptive endings may be primary or secondary. They terminate on dynamic bag (b1) static bag (b2 )a nd/or chain (c) intrafusal fibers. We sought to classify lumbar paraspinal muscle spindle afferents based upon their receptive endings and intrafusal terminations. Classification was based on their responses to ramp and hold vertebral movement before and after intrafusal activation using succinylcholine (SCH, 100-300ug/kg.ia). Afferents terminating in primary endings are especially responsive to the dynamic ramp stimulus. During intrafusal activation, afferents terminating on b1 fibers further increase their discharge to the dynamic ramp whereas those terminating on b2 fibers increase their static resting discharge. Methods Electrophysiological recordings from spindle afferents (n=195) were obtained from L6 dorsal root filaments with receptive fields in the L6 longissimus and multifidus muscles in an anesthetized cat preparation. Controlled vertebral actuations that stretched the paraspinal muscles were applied to the L6 spinous process in a dorsal-ventralward direction [1.5mm (n=120), 1.6mm (n=21), or 1.7mm (n=54) using a feedback motor system. Instantaneous discharge frequency was averaged and compared over three ramp cycles pre- and postSCH injection.

Tissue engineering the monosynaptic circuit of the stretch reflex arc with co-culture of embryonic motoneurons and proprioceptive sensory neurons

The sensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc is composed of intrafusal muscle fibers and their innervating proprioceptive neurons that convert mechanical information regarding muscle length and tension into action potentials that synapse onto the homonymous motoneurons in the ventral spinal cord which innervate the extrafusal fibers of the same muscle. To date, the in vitro synaptic connection between proprioceptive sensory neurons and spinal motoneurons has not been demonstrated. A functional in vitro system demonstrating this connection would enable the understanding of feedback by the integration of sensory input into the spinal reflex arc. Here we report a co-culture of rat embryonic motoneurons and proprioceptive sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in a defined serum-free medium on a synthetic silane substrate (DETA). Furthermore, we have demonstrated functional synapse formation in the co-culture by immunocytochemistry and electrophysiological analysis. This work will be valuable for enabling in vitro model systems for the study of spinal motor control and related pathologies such as spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy and spasticity by improving our understanding of the integration of the mechanosensitive feedback mechanism.

The role of muscle spindles in the development of the monosynaptic stretch reflex

Muscle sensory axons induce the development of specialized intrafusal muscle fibers in muscle spindles during development, but the role that the intrafusal fibers may play in the development of the central projections of these Ia sensory axons is unclear. In the present study, we assessed the influence of intrafusal fibers in muscle spindles on the formation of monosynaptic connections between Ia (muscle spindle) sensory axons and motoneurons (MNs) using two transgenic strains of mice. Deletion of the ErbB2 receptor from developing myotubes disrupts the formation of intrafusal muscle fibers and causes a nearly complete absence of functional synaptic connections between Ia axons and MNs. Monosynaptic connectivity can be fully restored by postnatal administration of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and the synaptic connections in NT-3-treated mice are as specific as in wild-type mice. Deletion of the Egr3 transcription factor also impairs the development of intrafusal muscle fibers and disrupts synaptic connectivity between Ia axons and MNs. Postnatal injections of NT-3 restore the normal strengths and specificity of Ia-motoneuronal connections in these mice as well. Severe deficits in intrafusal fiber development, therefore, do not disrupt the establishment of normal, selective patterns of connections between Ia axons and MNs, although these connections require the presence of NT-3, normally supplied by intrafusal fibers, to be functional.

ALPHA, BETA AND GAMMA MOTONEURONS: FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY IN THE MOTOR SYSTEM'S FINAL PATHWAY

Since their discovery in the late 19th century our conception of motoneurons has steadily evolved. Motoneurons share the same general function: they drive the contraction of muscle fibers and are the final common pathway, i.e., the seat of convergence of all the central and peripheral pathways involved in motricity. However, motoneurons innervate different types of muscular targets. Ordinary muscle fibers are subdivided into three main subtypes according to their structural and mechanical properties. Intrafusal muscle fibers located within spindles can elicit either a dynamic, or a static, action on the spindle sensory endings. No less than seven categories of motoneurons have thereby been identified on the basis of their innervation pattern. This functional diversity has hinted at a similar diversity in the inputs each motoneuron receives, as well as in the electrical, or cellular, properties of the motoneurons that match the properties of their muscle targets. The notion of the diverse properties of motoneurons has been well established by the work of many prominent neuroscientists. But in today's scientific literature, it tends to fade and motoneurons are often thought of as a homogenous group, which develop from a given population of precursor cells, and which express a common set of molecules. We first present here the historical milestones that led to the recognition of the functional diversity of motoneurons. We then review how the intrinsic electrical properties of motoneurons are precisely tuned in each category of motoneurons in order to produce an output that is adapted to the contractile properties of their specific targets.

The fusimotor and reafferent origin of the sense of force and weight

Signals associated with the command the brain sends to muscles are thought to create the sensation of heaviness when we lift an object. Thus, as a muscle is weakened by fatigue or partial paralysis (neuromuscular blockade), the increase in the motor command needed to lift a weight is thought to explain the increasing subjective heaviness of the lifted object.With different fatiguing contractions we approximately halved the force output of the thumb flexor muscles, which were then used to lift an object. For two deafferented subjects the perceived heaviness of the lifted object approximately doubled, in keeping with the central-signal theory. However, for normal subjects this resulted in objects feeling the same or lighter, inconsistent with the central-signal theory but consistent with the expected effects of the conditioning contractions on the sensitivity of peripheral receptors. In separate experiments we subjected the forearm muscles to complete paralysis with a non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent and then allowed them to recover to approximately half-force output. This also resulted in objects feeling lighter when lifted by the semi-paralysed thumb, even though the motor command to the motoneurons must have been greater. This is readily explained by reduced lift-related reafference caused by the prolonged paralysis of muscle spindle intrafusal fibres.We conclude that peripheral signals, including a major contribution from muscle spindles, normally give rise to the sense of exerted force. In concept, however, reafference from peripheral receptors may also be considered a centrally generated signal that traverses efferent and then afferent pathways to feed perceptual centres rather than one confined entirely to the central nervous system. These results therefore challenge the distinction between central- and peripheral-based perception, and the concept that muscle spindles provide only information about limb position and movement.

Muscle Spindle Composition and Distribution in Human Young Masseter and Biceps Brachii Muscles Reveal Early Growth and Maturation

Significant changes in extrafusal fiber type composition take place in the human masseter muscle from young age, 3-7 years, to adulthood, in parallel with jaw-face skeleton growth, changes of dentitions and improvement of jaw functions. As motor and sensory control systems of muscles are interlinked, also the intrafusal fiber population, that is, muscle spindles, should undergo age-related changes in fiber type appearance. To test this hypothesis, we examined muscle spindles in the young masseter muscle and compared the result with previous data on adult masseter spindles. Also muscle spindles in the young biceps brachii muscle were examined. The result showed that muscle spindle composition and distribution were alike in young and adult masseter. As for the adult masseter, young masseter contained exceptionally large muscle spindles, and with the highest spindle density and most complex spindles found in the deep masseter portion. Hence, contrary to our hypothesis, masseter spindles do not undergo major morphological changes between young age and adulthood. Also in the biceps, young spindles were alike adult spindles. Taken together, the results showed that human masseter and biceps muscle spindles are morphologically mature already at young age. We conclude that muscle spindles in the human young masseter and biceps precede the extrafusal fiber population in growth and maturation. This in turn suggests early reflex control and proprioceptive demands in learning and maturation of jaw motor skills. Similarly, well-developed muscle spindles in young biceps reflect early need of reflex control in learning and performing arm motor behavior.

Axon and muscle spindle hyperplasia in the myostatin null mouse

Germline deletion of the myostatin gene results in hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the tension-generating (extrafusal) fibres in skeletal muscle. As this gene is expressed predominantly in myogenic tissues it offers an excellent model with which to investigate the quantitative relationship between muscle and axonal development. Here we show that skeletal muscle hyperplasia in myostatin null mouse is accompanied by an increase in nerve fibres in major nerves of both the fore- and hindlimbs. We show that axons within these nerves undergo hypertrophy. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the age-related neural atrophic process is delayed in the absence of myostatin. Finally, we show that skeletal muscle hyperplasia in the myostatin null mouse is accompanied by an increase in the number of muscle spindles (also called stretch receptors or proprioceptors). However, our work demonstrates that the mechanisms regulating intrafusal fibre hyperplasia and hypertrophy differ from those that control the aetiology of extrafusal fibres.

The muscle satellite cell at 50: the formative years

In February 1961, Alexander Mauro described a cell 'wedged' between the plasma membrane of the muscle fibre and the surrounding basement membrane. He postulated that it could be a dormant myoblast, poised to repair muscle when needed. In the same month, Bernard Katz also reported a cell in a similar location on muscle spindles, suggesting that it was associated with development and growth of intrafusal muscle fibres. Both Mauro and Katz used the term 'satellite cell' in relation to their discoveries. Today, the muscle satellite cell is widely accepted as the resident stem cell of skeletal muscle, supplying myoblasts for growth, homeostasis and repair.Since 2011 marks both the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the satellite cell, and the launch of Skeletal Muscle, it seems an opportune moment to summarise the seminal events in the history of research into muscle regeneration. We start with the 19th-century pioneers who showed that muscle had a regenerative capacity, through to the descriptions from the mid-20th century of the underlying cellular mechanisms. The journey of the satellite cell from electron microscope curio, to its gradual acceptance as a bona fide myoblast precursor, is then charted: work that provided the foundations for our understanding of the role of the satellite cell. Finally, the rapid progress in the age of molecular biology is briefly discussed, and some ongoing debates on satellite cell function highlighted.

Immunostaining for the α3 isoform of the Na+/K+-ATPase is selective for functionally identified muscle spindle afferents in vivo.

Muscle spindle afferent (MSA) neurons can show rapid and sustained firing. Immunostaining for the α3 isoform of the Na+/K+-ATPase (α3) in some large dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and large intrafusal fibres suggested α3 expression in MSAs (Dobretsov et al. 2003), but not whether α3-immunoreactive DRG neuronal somata were exclusively MSAs. We found that neuronal somata with high α3 immunointensity were neurofilament-rich, suggesting they have A-fibres; we therefore focussed on A-fibre neurons to determine the sensory properties of α3-immunoreactive neurons. We examined α3 immunointensity in 78 dye-injected DRG neurons whose conduction velocities and hindlimb sensory receptive fields were determined in vivo. A dense perimeter or ring of staining in a subpopulation of neurons was clearly overlying the soma membrane and not within satellite cells. Neurons with clear α3 rings (n = 23) were all MSAs (types I and II); all MSAs had darkly stained α3 rings, that tended to be darker in MSA1 than MSA2 units. Of 52 non-MSA A-fibre neurons including nociceptive and cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) neurons, 50 had no discernable ring, while 2 (Aα/β cutaneous LTMs) had weakly stained rings. Three of three C-nociceptors had no rings. MSAs with strong ring immunostaining also showed the strongest cytoplasmic staining. These findings suggest that α3 ring staining is a selective marker for MSAs. The α3 isoform of the Na+/K+-ATPase has previously been shown to be activated by higher Na+ levels and to have greater affinity for ATP than the α1 isoform (in all DRG neurons). The high α3 levels in MSAs may enable the greater dynamic firing range in MSAs.

Tissue engineering the mechanosensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc: Sensory neuron innervation of intrafusal muscle fibers

The sensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc, composed of specialized intrafusal muscle fibers and type Ia proprioceptive sensory neurons, converts mechanical information regarding muscle length and stretch to electrical action potentials and relays them to the central nervous system. Utilizing a non-biological substrate, surface patterning photolithography and a serum-free medium formulation a co-culture system was developed that facilitated functional interactions between intrafusal muscle fibers and sensory neurons. The presence of annulospiral wrappings (ASWs) and flower-spray endings (FSEs), both physiologically relevant morphologies in sensory neuron-intrafusal fiber interactions, were demonstrated and quantified using immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, two proposed components of the mammalian mechanosensory transduction system, BNaC1 and PICK1, were both identified at the ASWs and FSEs. To verify functionality of the mechanoreceptor elements the system was integrated with a MEMS cantilever device, and Ca 2+ currents were imaged along the length of an axon innervating an intrafusal fiber when stretched by cantilever deflection. This system provides a platform for examining the role of this mechanosensory complex in the pathology of myotonic and muscular dystrophies, peripheral neuropathy, and spasticity inducing diseases like Parkinson’s. These studies will also assist in engineering fine motor control for prosthetic devices by improving our understanding of mechanosensitive feedback.

On muscle spindles, dystonia and botulinum toxin

Dystonia may produce co-contractions and constant strain in numerous muscle fibers, including those of the muscle spindles. As proprioceptors, muscle spindles detect dynamic or static changes in muscle length and their afferent projections to the spinal cord play a central role in control of antagonistic muscles. Their parallel arrangement with extrafusal muscle fibers and association with the earlier recruited oxidative motor units allow them to conveniently sample the activity of all motor units and effectively modulate movement. At the same time, fusimotor muscle spindle innervation contracts the striated polar portions of the intrafusal muscle fibers and prevents their slackening during extrafusal muscle contractions. Botulinum toxin remains the most efficient therapy of dystonia. Its muscular mechanism of action is hinged on cholinergic blockade not only of extrafusal, but also of intrafusal muscle fibers. Besides being a targeted muscular therapy, the alteration of the corresponding sensory input following an effect of botulinum toxin on the intrafusal muscle fibers is pivotal in modulating loss of pre-synaptic inhibition in dystonia, including suppression of the tonic vibration reflex. Whether or not trans-synaptic botulinum toxin migration occurs, a modification of the central motor programming is bound to happen in dystonia, with botulinum toxin acting either as another 'sensory trick' or as a form of 'short-term plasticity'. Knowledge of the muscle spindle anatomy and function is key to unify our understanding of abnormal movements and of effects of botulinum toxin therapy. Thus, in dystonia, overactivity of muscles and increased spindle sensitivity are germane to botulinum toxin targets of action.

Neurophysiological changes induced by the botulinum toxin type A injection in children with cerebral palsy

In the last few years botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been widely used in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy in order to reduce hypertonicity and improve functional outcomes enhancing motor skill development. The botulinum toxin injection seems to interact with intrafusal and extrafusal fibers producing a reduction of hypertone both through synaptic blockade and inhibition of stretch reflex loop and these changes may influence not only the spinal cord but also the central nervous system (CNS). The purpose of our study was to determine the neurophysiological changes induced by the BTX-A through an evaluation of cortical somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) and Soleus H wave, that is the index of excitability of stretch reflex loop. Eighteen children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), aged between 5 and 12, were recruited at Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù” of Rome. All children were evaluated with appropriate clinical scales before and 1 month after the BTX-A injection. Neurophysiological measurements were performed before, and 1 month after botulinum toxin injection through lower limb SEPs, M-wave and Soleus H wave recording. After the injection the results showed a statistically significant improvement both of clinical scales and the neurophysiological variables. These findings suggest that spasticity itself can be considered as a factor affecting the cortical SEPs. And even though it seems that BTX-A does not have any direct central effect on sensory pathways we suppose an indirect mechanism on modulation of afferent fibers Ia due to the modification induced by BTX-A to central loop reflex.

Knee Proprioception after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether exercise-induced quadriceps muscle damage affects knee proprioception such as joint position sense (JPS), force sense and the threshold to detect passive movement (TTDPM). Fourteen young men performed sets of eccentric quadriceps contractions at a target of 60% of the maximal concentric peak torque until exhaustion; the exercise was interrupted whenever the subject could not complete two sets. Muscle soreness, JPS, the TTDPM and force sense were examined before the exercise as well as one, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exercise. The results were compared using one-way repeated-measure ANOVA. Plasma CK activity, collected at the same times, was analyzed by the Friedman's test to discriminate differences between baseline values and each of the other assessment moments (p<0.05). Relative to the proprioception assessment, JPS at 30 and 70 degrees of knee flexion and force sense were significantly decreased up to 48 h, whereas TTDPM decreased significantly at only one hour and 24 h after exercise, at 30 and 70 degrees of the knee flexion, respectively. The results allow the conclusion that eccentric exercise leading to muscle damage alters joint proprioception, suggesting that there might be impairment in the intrafusal fibres of spindle muscles and in the tendon organs.

Retention of Pax3 Expression in Satellite Cells of Muscle Spindles

Intrafusal fibers within muscle spindles retain features characteristic of immaturity, unlike the larger and more numerous extrafusal fibers constituting the bulk of skeletal muscle. Satellite cells (SCs), myogenic progenitors, are detected on the surfaces of both intrafusal and extrafusal fibers, but little is known of spindle SCs. We have recently demonstrated that, like their extrafusal counterparts, SCs in muscle spindles of posthatch chickens express paired box transcription factor 7 (Pax7) protein. During vertebrate embryogenesis, myogenic progenitors express both Pax7 and Pax3 proteins. In postnatal mice, Pax3 appears in rare SC subsets, whereas Pax7 is expressed by all SCs within extrafusal fibers. Here we test the hypothesis that Pax3 protein maintains localized expression within SCs of muscle spindles. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to identify SCs by their Pax7 expression within anterior latissimus dorsi muscle excised from posthatch chickens of various ages. A greater percentage of SCs express Pax3 within intrafusal than extrafusal fibers at each age, and the proportion of SCs expressing Pax3 declines with aging. This is the first study to localize Pax3 expression in posthatch avian muscle and within SCs of muscle spindles. We suggest that Pax3-positive SCs are involved in fiber maintenance.

Fine structural study of the innervation of muscle spindles in the internal oblique muscle of the abdominal wall in the adult mouse

We examined by electron microscopy the innervation of muscle spindles in the internal oblique muscle of the mouse abdominal wall. In the equatorial region, in addition to the sensory innervation on individual intrafusal muscle fibers, sensory cross terminals were often observed between nuclear chain fibers. In the area from the juxtaequatorial region to the polar region, nuclear bag fibers were supplied by trail and plate-type motor endings, while nuclear chain fibers were innervated by sensory endings, being probably secondary sensory endings. From these findings, it is clear that the innervation patterns differ between two types of intrafusal muscle fibers.

Myofascial syndrome and pain: A neurophysiological approach

It has been debated whether muscle spindles have a role in myofascial pain or not. We present a number of arguments for the former hypothesis. It was hypothesized that firing of intrafusal muscle fibres, i.e. fusimotor activity can be observed as “end plate spikes” (EPSs) in electromyography (EMG). The EPSs may be found in local active spots of muscle, often associated with miniature end plate potentials (MEPPs). Insertion of EMG needle electrodes into an active spot is painful, indicating nociception in the muscle spindle. Myofascial syndrome patients have taut bands with active trigger points (TrPs) in painful muscles. End plate activity (EPSs and MEPPs) is a significantly more common finding in TrPs of myofascial pain than in control points of the muscle, indicating the presence of muscle spindles. However, some control sites may show EPSs of normal muscle spindles. Increased amount of inflammatory metabolites have been observed in active TrPs. Muscle spindle is a capsulated gel-filled container, where inflammatory and contraction metabolites may be heavily concentrated during sustained fusimotor activation. Thus the intrafusal chemosensitive pain mediating III- and IV-afferents are sensitized and activated. Intrafusal inflammation causes further reflex activation of the fusimotor and skeletofusimotor systems via sensitized III- and IV-afferents. The taut band itself may be a contracture (rigor) of local skeletofusimotor (beta) units caused by sustained reflex drive by the given muscle spindles. In EMG this may be seen as complex repetitive discharges. We conclude that TrPs of myofascial pain are related to painful muscle spindles in taut bands.

Pax3 expression by satellite cells of avian skeletal muscle spindles

Pax3 protein is usually co‐expressed with Pax7 by embryonic dermomyotome cells which give rise to skeletal muscle fibers. Following myogenesis, it is held that Pax3 expression becomes restricted to a few satellite cells (SCs) of select mature muscles. Intrafusal fibers of muscle spindles are thought to persist in an immature state as, unlike extrafusal fibers, they maintain small diameters, developmental myosins, Myf5 expression and high concentrations of SCs. Thus, we hypothesize that Pax3 expression is maintained in intrafusal fibers. Immunohistochemical methods were used to quantify nuclear numbers in chicken anterior latissimus dorsi muscles excised at 9, 30, 62, and 138 days post‐hatch. SCs were identified by their Pax7 expression. In intrafusal fibers, the percentage of SCs expressing Pax3 decreased from 76% at 9 days to 16% at 138 days post‐hatch and, at each age studied, was higher in intrafusal than extrafusal fibers. In extrafusal fibers, after 14% at 9 days, only 0‐2% of SCs expressed Pax3. Muscle spindles offer a novel model for the study of Pax3 expression in SCs. Funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.Grant Funding SourceNSERC