Award details

The influence of neuromuscular stimulation in the avian embryo on muscle development

ReferenceD14644
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Neil Stickland
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution Royal Veterinary College
DepartmentVeterinary Basic Sciences - London
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 237,836
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/04/2001
End date 01/07/2005
Duration51 months

Abstract

Our pilot studies have indicated that increased neuromuscular stimulation in developing chicken embryos has a profound influence on muscle fibre number determination. The aim of this project is to test the hypothesis that this is due to increased or prolonged myoblast proliferation due to delayed differentiation and/or decreased apoptosis. The mechanisms underlying these responses will be investigated by analysing the expression of the IGF system, myogenic regulatory factors, cyclin inhibitors and neurotrophins. A range of structural and molecular techniques will be used to analyse muscles from chick embryos and hatchlings given neuromuscular stimulants and blockers in early development. In a wider context this project will help us to understand the early determination of muscle fibre number, a parameter of known importance in determining the meat potential of an animal.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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