Stereological analysis of the number of nuclei in skeletal muscle fibres.

A simple morphological method is described whereby the numbers of nuclei in different types of skeletal muscle fibre may be determined. The method allows for the anisotropy of skeletal muscle fibres and the non-random distribution of their nuclei. The advantages in the use of a morphological (rather than a biochemical) method are discussed, together with possible applications of the method in the study of changes which occur in skeletal muscle in adaptation to stress and in disease.