How was muscle cell regeneration demonstrated?
Levels of embryonic myosin heavy chain were assessed (eMyHC). eMyHC is normally elevated after muscle repair. There was a decrease in eMyHC response in alpha 7 integrin mice compared to wild type (control/normal mice) when treated with muscle toxin. This response was boosted when alpha 7 integrin mice were injected with laminin 111 prior to receiving muscle toxin. Laminin 111 also restored myofiber size and myoblast proliferation in alpha 7 integrin deficient mice (Pax 7 and MyoD assays).
