The response to growth factors of cultured satellite cells derived from turkeys having different growth rates.

Satellite cells were isolated from the skeletal muscles of turkey varieties which grow at different rates to explore cellular mechanisms that may influence the rate of muscular growth. Satellite cells from the fast growing variety (Nicholas) were more responsive to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin, and less responsive to fibroblast growth factor than were cells derived from the slow growing (Merriam's) turkey. IGF receptor affinities were similar between the Nicholas and Merriam's turkey satellite cells. The results suggest that differences in the responses of satellite cells to growth factors may influence rates of skeletal muscle accretion and whole body growth.