An experimental model for the study of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle.

PURPOSE To examine histological and histomorphometric techniques for measuring collagen in skeletal muscle. METHODS The following staining methods were used in the study: hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, reticulin, and picrosirius red, and immunostaining for collagen types I, II, III, IV, and V. Histomorphometric measurements were performed using Corel PhotoPaint and UTHSCSA Image Tool 3.0 software. RESULTS Both the Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red staining provided the best visualization for the measurement of collagen content. CONCLUSION This methodology is important for the identification and quantification of the different types of collagen in muscles and can be used in the investigation of the qualitative and quantitative influence of collagen on physical activities, aging, and diseases.