What are the Histological Features of Muscle Fiber Degeneration?
Histologically, muscle fiber degeneration presents several characteristic features:
- Central Nuclei: Normal muscle fibers have peripheral nuclei, but degenerating fibers often show central nuclei as a sign of regeneration attempts. - Variation in Fiber Size: Degenerating muscles exhibit a mix of atrophied and hypertrophied fibers. - Increased Connective Tissue: There is typically an increase in endomysial and perimysial connective tissue. - Inflammatory Infiltrates: Presence of inflammatory cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes can be seen. - Myofibrillar Disarray: Disorganization of the myofibrils, the contractile elements of muscle fibers, is common.
