Expression profile of Notch-1 in mechanically overloaded plantaris muscle of mice

Aim: We investigated the expression pattern of Notch-1 in normal and hypertrophied plantaris muscle of mice. Main methods: We performed immunofluorescence of both Notch-1 and the Notch-l-linking molecules. Key findings: immunofluorescence labeling revealed Notch-1 protein in Pax7-positive satellite cells during days 2-6. We observed clear co-localization between Notch-1 and myogenin (4.9 +/- 1.3%) in the hypertrophied muscle at 4 days. Several mononuclei (possibly satellite cells) possessed both Notch-1 and Foxo1 in the plantaris muscle subjected to mechanical overloading (4.1 +/- 1.2%). Significance: Notch-1 may play an important role in the maintenance of quiescent satellite cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.