The Muscle Biomechanics core of the NSMRC performs in vivo and in vitro testing to quantify the physiological properties of skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle samples of varying sizes ranging from isolated single cells to whole muscles can be tested for a variety of mechanical and physiological properties.  Typically muscles are tested after an experimental manipulation (surgery, transfection, training) or genetic modification (knock-in or knock-out).

Several in vitro and in vivo testing facilities are available to accommodate the various experiments.  The in vivo facilities include anesthesia machines, ergometers and LabVIEW interfaces that permit characterization of muscle in living animals.  These experiments can be performed acutely or as survival surgery.  Single cell and small muscle mechanical testing can be performed in vitro in conjunction with real-time sarcomere length measurements.  Sarcomere length facilities include high-speed and static laser diffraction devices. 

Samuel R. Ward, PT, Ph.D.
Richard L. Lieber, Ph.D.

Richard L. Lieber, Ph.D.
(858) 822-1344
rlieber@ucsd.edu