Nestin expression reflects formation, revascularization and reinnervation of new myofibers in regenerating rat hind limb skeletal muscles
Abstract
This work provides a comprehensive view of expression and distribution patterns of the intermediate filament nestin in rat regenerating skeletal muscles. In the regenerating skeletal muscle maximal nestin expression was observed in newly formed myoblasts and myotubes and it decreased in the course of the skeletal myofiber development.
Furthermore, nestin has been detected in newly formed endothelial cells of blood vessels growing into the regenerated area and later also in peripheral nerves innervating the graft, as well as in the host muscle. According to our results, nestin represents an ideal marker for the skeletal muscle regeneration, as its expression reflects processes of development, revascularization and reinnervation of new myofibers.