An increase in force after stretch of diaphragm fibers and myofibrils is accompanied by an increase in sarcomere length non-uniformities and Ca 2+ sensitivity

When muscle fibers from limb muscles are stretched while activated, the force increases to a steady-state level that is higher than that produced during isometric contractions at a corresponding sarcomere length, a phenomenon known as residual force enhancement (RFE). The mechanisms responsible for the RFE are an increased stiffness of titin molecules which may lead to an increased Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus,and the development of sarcomere length non-uniformities. RFE is not observed in cardiac muscles, which makes this phenomenon specific to certain preparations. The aim of this study was to investigate if the RFE is present in the diaphragm, and its potential association with an increased Ca2+ sensitivity and the development of sarcomere length non-uniformities. We used two preparations: single intact fibers and myofibrils isolated from the diaphragm from mice. We investigated RFE in a variety of lengths across the force-length relationship. RFE was observed in both preparations at all lengths investigated, and was larger with increasing magnitudes of stretch. RFE was accompanied by an increased Ca2+ sensitivity as shown by a change in the force-pCa2+-curve, and increased sarcomere length non-uniformities. Therefore, RFE is a phenomenon commonly observed in skeletal muscles, with mechanisms that are similar across preparations.