[Histological and histochemical changes in the neck muscles of spontaneously occurring scoliosis in a special strain of Japanese quail, SQOHM].

A strain of Japanese quail, SQOHM, is known as a model of idiopathic scoliosis in humans. It shows hereditary scoliotic deformities occurring in the cervical region. Histological, histochemical and serological studies were performed in 51 scoliotic and 109 non-scoliotic quail. Histological study revealed internal nuclei and tiny groups of small fibers in the neck muscles. The incidence of these, however, was only 19% in the scoliotic and 7% in the non-scoliotic quail. Histochemical observation with adenosine triphosphatase, phosphorylase and succinic dehydrogenase stains was made on the dorsal neck muscles. An increase in the number of beta-fibers, and a decrease in the number and hyperplasia of alpha-fibers were observed on the concave side of the scoliosis. The increase in number of beta-fibers on the concave side can play a role in promoting the deformity was suggested.