Electron microscopic study on the satellite cell in the muscle of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The ultrastructure and the distribution frequency of the satellite cells of biopsied muscle fibers from 10 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (PMD-D) and 10 patients free of neuromuscular diseases were studied. The increase in the number of satellite cells in muscles of patients with PMD-D over those in the normal control cases were noted. Markedly increased pinocytotic vesicles or the thin and thick filaments were found in these satellite cells. The possible role of satellite cells was discussed.