O carcinoma epidermóide representa mais de 90% das neoplasias malignas de cabeça e de pescoço, apresentando taxas elevadas de morbi-mortalidade. Proteínas relacionadas à invasão e proliferação celular estão em evidência devido ao seu envolvimento na carcinogênese, a exemplo da vimentina, encontrada em células de origem mesodérmica. Sua presença em células epiteliais neoplásicas contribui na transição epitélio mesenquimal e está associada à tumorigênese, à invasão celular e à metástase. O propósito deste estudo foi analisar através de métodos qualitativos (imunofluorescência e imunoistoquímica) e quantitativos (Western Blot) a expressão da vimentina em linhagens celulares de carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e de pescoço (CECP) e em uma linhagem de queratinócitos imortalizados (HaCat) submetidas ao cultivo tridimensional em Matrigel®. O grupo controle foi representado pelas mesmas linhagens cultivadas na ausência de Matrigel®. A Vimentina apresentou marcação citoplasmática em algumas células das linhagens estudadas, exceto na HaCat, com evidente diminuição da sua expressão quando submetida ao cultivo com Matrigel®. Esses resultados foram confirmados por Western Blot. A expressão da Vimentina em diferentes linhagens de CECP pode variar dependendo da linhagem analisada, da reação de suas células aos componentes da matriz extracelular e da técnica utilizada para avaliação da expressão da proteína. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents more than 90% of all head and neck malignancies, causing more deaths than any other oral disease. Proteins related to cancer growth, invasion and metastasis are in evidence due to their involvement in carcinogens, such as vimentin. This protein is observed in mesenquimal cells, however, it is considered a common finding in cervix, breast and bladder tumours. Thus its presencence in epithelial neoplasic cells contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The aim of this study was to analyse through Western Blot, Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence methods, the expression of Vimentin in three different HNSCC cell lines and HaCat cell line (immortalized keratinocytes) submitted to a 3D assay into Matrigel®. The control group was represented by the same cell lines, without any treatment. Results showed that Vimentin had citoplasmatic staining in some cell of lines studied, except for HaCat cells, with evident decrease in its expression when submitted to cultive into Matrigel®. These findings were confirmed by Western Blot. Taking these results together, we conclude that in squamous cell carcinoma, the Vimentin is related to the process of tumour invasion and metastasis. This fact was showed by the reduction of its expression after treatment with Matrigel®. Therefore, the expression of Vimentin in different cell lines of HNSCC may vary according to the stimulus and, fundamentally, the localization of the tumor and the individual characteristics of neoplasic cells.

Modelos de desusos do músculo esquelético como imobilização gessada, suspensão são frequentemente utilizados em grupos de pesquisas experimentais. Esse tempo de desuso por período prolongado pode determinar alterações significativas na citoarquitetura muscular. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os aspectos morfológicos do músculo sóleo de ratas em desenvolvimento pós-natal que tiveram seus membros posteriores direitos imobilizados, e posteriormente foram submetidas ao protocolo passivo de alongamento (alongamento manual passivo intermitente), por um período de sete dias. Utilizou-se 20 ratas da raça Wistar (Rattus Norvegicus Albinus) com 21 dias de idade, dividas em cinco grupos: Grupo Controle 21 dias (GC21- Animais com 21 dias), Grupo Imobilizado (GI- Animais de 21 dias que foram imobilizados por 7 dias), Grupo Imobilizado e Alongado (GIA- Animais de 21 dias que foram imobilizados por 7 e reabilitados pelo alongamento durante 3 dias) e Grupo Alongado (GA- Animais de 21 dias não imobilizados por 7 dias e posteriormente alongamentos durante 3 dias), Grupo Controle 30 (GC30 - Animais com 30 dias). Fragmentos dos músculo sóleo foi processado sob diferentes métodos histoquímicos, coloração hematoxilina-eosina e picro-sirius. As variáveis foram avaliadas inter- e intra-grupos através de técnicas estatísticas como: Teste de Kruskall Wallis e pós teste de Dunn. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que o músculo sóleo de ratas bebês sofreram modificações citoarquiteturais significativas quando o alongamento manual intermitente foi usado como recurso terapêutico após 7 dias de desuso do segmento posterior direito (imobilização em flexão plantar). Nos músculos imobilizados, ambas as proteínas (desmina e vimentina) tiveram seus conteúdos reduzidos em relação aos valores controle (21 ou 30 dias), indicando balanço negativo para o tecido pós-desuso. A quantidade dessas proteínas não foi modificada nos animais submetidos somente ao procedimento de alongamento intermitente. Os animais que sofreram imobilização e que foram reabilitados, a quantidade de desmina não aumentou significativamente, não atingindo valores similares ao grupo controle 30 dias. Esses dados sugerem que os filamentos de desmina necessitam de tempo superior a 3 dias de reabilitação por alongamento intermitente para restabelecerem a arquitetura intersticial das fibras e consequentemente favorecerem a transdução mecânica de sinais entre os meios intra e extracelular. Porém, o efeito citoarquitetural do alongamento sobre os filamentos intermediários deve ser acompanhado longitudinalmente e confirmados em adicionais estudos bioquímicos e moleculares. / Disuses models of skeletal muscle as immobilization , suspension are often used in experimental research groups. This time of disuse for a prolonged period can cause significant changes in muscle cytoarchitecture .This study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the soleus muscle of rats in postnatal development that had its members later immobilized rights, and subsequently were subjected to passive stretching protocol (passive manual stretching flashes), for a period of seven days. We used 20 Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus Albinos) race with 21 days of age , divided into five groups: Control Group (CG21- Animal 21 days ), Immobilized Group (IG- Animal 21 days that were immobilized for 7 days ) , Immobilized and Stretched Group (ISG - Animal 21 days that were immobilized for 7 and rehabilitated by stretching for 3 days) and Stretched Group (SG -Animal 21 days not immobilized for 7 days and subsequently stretching for 3 days), Control Group (CG30 - Animals 30 days).Fragments of the soleus muscle was processed under different histochemical methods, hematoxylin - eosin staining and picro-sirius. Variables were evaluated inter - and intra - groups through statistical techniques such as Kruskall Wallis and Dunn\'s post test . Conclusion: The results indicated that the soleus muscle of rats were babies citoarquiteturais significant changes when the manual stretching intermittently been used as a therapeutic resource after 7 days of disuse of the right posterior segment ( immobilization in plantar flexion). The immobilized muscles , both proteins (desmin and vimentin ) content had decreased compared to control values (21 or 30 days), indicating negative after- tissue balance disuse. The amount of these proteins was not modified in animals subjected only to intermittent stretching procedure. The animals underwent immobilization have been rehabilitated and that the amount of desmin was not significantly increased, not reaching values similar to the control group 30 days. These data suggest that desmin filaments need to 3 days longer than the time for rehabilitation to restore the intermittent stretching interstitial fiber architecture and hence favor the mechanical transduction of signals between intra-and extracellular media. However, the effect of stretching on cytoarchitectural intermediate filaments should be followed longitudinally and confirmed in additional biochemical and molecular studies .

O carcinoma epidermóide representa mais de 90% das neoplasias malignas de cabeça e de pescoço, apresentando taxas elevadas de morbi-mortalidade. Proteínas relacionadas à invasão e proliferação celular estão em evidência devido ao seu envolvimento na carcinogênese, a exemplo da vimentina, encontrada em células de origem mesodérmica. Sua presença em células epiteliais neoplásicas contribui na transição epitélio mesenquimal e está associada à tumorigênese, à invasão celular e à metástase. O propósito deste estudo foi analisar através de métodos qualitativos (imunofluorescência e imunoistoquímica) e quantitativos (Western Blot) a expressão da vimentina em linhagens celulares de carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e de pescoço (CECP) e em uma linhagem de queratinócitos imortalizados (HaCat) submetidas ao cultivo tridimensional em Matrigel®. O grupo controle foi representado pelas mesmas linhagens cultivadas na ausência de Matrigel®. A Vimentina apresentou marcação citoplasmática em algumas células das linhagens estudadas, exceto na HaCat, com evidente diminuição da sua expressão quando submetida ao cultivo com Matrigel®. Esses resultados foram confirmados por Western Blot. A expressão da Vimentina em diferentes linhagens de CECP pode variar dependendo da linhagem analisada, da reação de suas células aos componentes da matriz extracelular e da técnica utilizada para avaliação da expressão da proteína. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents more than 90% of all head and neck malignancies, causing more deaths than any other oral disease. Proteins related to cancer growth, invasion and metastasis are in evidence due to their involvement in carcinogens, such as vimentin. This protein is observed in mesenquimal cells, however, it is considered a common finding in cervix, breast and bladder tumours. Thus its presencence in epithelial neoplasic cells contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The aim of this study was to analyse through Western Blot, Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence methods, the expression of Vimentin in three different HNSCC cell lines and HaCat cell line (immortalized keratinocytes) submitted to a 3D assay into Matrigel®. The control group was represented by the same cell lines, without any treatment. Results showed that Vimentin had citoplasmatic staining in some cell of lines studied, except for HaCat cells, with evident decrease in its expression when submitted to cultive into Matrigel®. These findings were confirmed by Western Blot. Taking these results together, we conclude that in squamous cell carcinoma, the Vimentin is related to the process of tumour invasion and metastasis. This fact was showed by the reduction of its expression after treatment with Matrigel®. Therefore, the expression of Vimentin in different cell lines of HNSCC may vary according to the stimulus and, fundamentally, the localization of the tumor and the individual characteristics of neoplasic cells.

Das neoplasias malignas que ocorrem na boca, 95% são representados pelo Carcinoma Epidermóide Bucal. Esta é uma doença usualmente agressiva, com comportamento biológico imprevisível e prognóstico desfavorável sendo a infiltração local e consequente emissão de metástases a principal causa de morte dos pacientes. A identificação de marcadores moleculares que possam predizer o curso clínico da doença, orientar a determinação do tratamento, bem como conduzir o desenvolvimento de novas terapias que melhorem os índices de sobrevida, tem sido o objetivo de inúmeras pesquisas. O presente estudo procurou determinar a correlação da expressão imunoistoquímica da c-erbB-2 e vimentina com características clínicas da neoplasia e o prognóstico dos pacientes a partir da análise retrospectiva de 65 casos de Carcinoma Epidermóide Bucal. c-erbB-2 e vimentina estavam expressos em 61,54% e 70,8% das amostras analisadas, respectivamente. Não foi observada correlação estatisticamente significante entre a expressão destes marcadores e as características clínicas avaliadas, porém houve uma tendência à expressão imunoistoquímica da vimentina em relação ao índice N. Quanto à sobrevida dos pacientes, esta foi influenciada pelo gênero dos pacientes, hábito de fumar cigarro, estádio clínico da doença, índice N e modalidade de tratamento submetido, sendo o gênero o único fator prognóstico independente detectado. A expressão imunoistoquimica da c-erbB-2 e vimentina não se demonstraram preditivos de sobrevida em carcinomas epidermóides de boca. / About of malignancies in oral mucosa, 95% are represented by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This disease is usually aggressive, with unpredictable biological behavior and poor prognosis and the local infiltration and consequent metastases the main cause of death of patients. The identification of molecular markers that may predict the clinical course of disease, guide the treatment as well as lead the development of new therapies that improve the rates of survival, has been the goal of many studies. This study examined the correlation of immunohistochemical expression of c-erbB-2 and vimentin with clinical features and prognosis of OSCC patients from the retrospective analysis of 65 cases. c-erbB-2 and vimentin were expressed in 61.54% and 70.8% of samples, respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between the expression of these markers and clinical characteristics, but a tendency to vimentin expression in the lymph node status. The patients survival, was influenced by their gender, smoking habits the, clinical stage of disease, N index and modalities of treatment. The gender was the only independent prognostic factor detected. The immunohistochemical expression of c-erbB-2 and vimentin did not show up predictive of survival in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

In mammals, the trophoblast lineage of the embryo is specified before implantation. It is restricted to become the fetal portion of the placenta. We have isolated and cultured trophoblast-derived cells from day 10 and day 13 porcine embryos. These cells demonstrate morphological and biological characteristics that make them unique. We have demonstrated that these cells can grow in vitro in a defined, serum-replacement medium for over a year without showing any signs of senescence. Trophoblast-derived cells placed into serum-containing medium, however, rapidly senesce and fail to proliferate. Gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and Fluidigm analysis of cells in culture from 0-30 days confirmed expression of genes involved in trophoblast function (CDX2, TEAD4, CYP17A1, HSD17B1, FGFR2, PLET, HAND1) as well as some genes known to mediate pluripotency (POU5F1, KLF4, CMYC). These experiments revealed changes in gene expression over time and in response to serum-containing medium. We have demonstrated that these trophoblast-derived cells are easily stably transfected with an exogenous transgene (eGFP) by a variety of methods, and show the ability to survive and to be passaged repeatedly after transfection. Also, immunofluorescence analysis results demonstrated that these cells do not only demonstrate epithelial characteristics by the expression of KRT18, but also they show expression of VIMENTIN which is a protein found in mesenchymal cells. These findings contradict studies done by Ramsoondar in 1993 and Flechon in 1995 which reported the negative expression of VIMENTIN in similar cells. In summary, early embryonic porcine trophoblast-derived cells have demonstrated unique characteristics which have taken us to the conclusion that they could be used as valuable tools for laboratory work. Anticipated applications include the study of trophoblast physiology as well as possible solutions for improving efficiency of transgenesis by somatic cell nuclear transfer and for pluripotency reprogramming of cells.

In mammals, the trophoblast lineage of the embryo is specified before implantation. It is restricted to become the fetal portion of the placenta. We have isolated and cultured trophoblast-derived cells from day 10 and day 13 porcine embryos. These cells demonstrate morphological and biological characteristics that make them unique. We have demonstrated that these cells can grow in vitro in a defined, serum-replacement medium for over a year without showing any signs of senescence. Trophoblast-derived cells placed into serum-containing medium, however, rapidly senesce and fail to proliferate. Gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and Fluidigm analysis of cells in culture from 0-30 days confirmed expression of genes involved in trophoblast function (CDX2, TEAD4, CYP17A1, HSD17B1, FGFR2, PLET, HAND1) as well as some genes known to mediate pluripotency (POU5F1, KLF4, CMYC). These experiments revealed changes in gene expression over time and in response to serum-containing medium. We have demonstrated that these trophoblast-derived cells are easily stably transfected with an exogenous transgene (eGFP) by a variety of methods, and show the ability to survive and to be passaged repeatedly after transfection. Also, immunofluorescence analysis results demonstrated that these cells do not only demonstrate epithelial characteristics by the expression of KRT18, but also they show expression of VIMENTIN which is a protein found in mesenchymal cells. These findings contradict studies done by Ramsoondar in 1993 and Flechon in 1995 which reported the negative expression of VIMENTIN in similar cells. In summary, early embryonic porcine trophoblast-derived cells have demonstrated unique characteristics which have taken us to the conclusion that they could be used as valuable tools for laboratory work. Anticipated applications include the study of trophoblast physiology as well as possible solutions for improving efficiency of transgenesis by somatic cell nuclear transfer and for pluripotency reprogramming of cells.

In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of HDGF on cell migration in non-transformed NIH/3T3 cells. HDGF promoted the migration and the formation of dorsal ruffles and podosome rosettes. Besides, HDGF supply increased the PI3K expression, Akt phosphorylation and PTEN phosphorylation as well as stimulated the RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 activities. Furthermore, Adenoviral gene transfer of PTEN attenuated migration and PI3K/Akt/Rho GTPases signaling in HDGF-overexpressing transfectants. Pharmaceutical intervention using the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, potently reversed HDGF-stimulated cell migration, dorsal ruffles formation and podosome formation as well as the RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 activities. Thus, HDGF elicits the activation of PI3K/Akt /Rho GTPases signaling cascade and promotes cytoskeleton remodeling to stimulate cellular migration. Moreover, we investigate the expression profile of HDGF during breast carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed elevated HDGF expression in human breast cancer. Nuclear HDGF labelling index was positively correlated with tumour grade, stage and proliferation index, but negatively correlated with survival rate in breast cancer patients. Our data also showed that HDGF over-expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and represented an independent prognostic factor for tumor recurrence. Furthermore, Immunoblot study revealed that elevated HDGF expression significantly higher in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cells) than that in non-transformed breast cells (MCF-7 cells). Consistently, higher invasive potency and colony formation also observed in MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF-7 cells. Adenovirus-mediated HDGF over-expression and exogenous HDGF treatment stimulated the invasiveness and colony formation as well as E-cadherin down-regulation and Vimentin up-regulation. Conversely, either HDGF knockdown by RNA interference, HDGF antibody neutralization or BITC-induced EMT suppression in MDA-MB-231 cells attenuated the malignant behavior and elicited EMT reversal by enhancing E-cadherin expression while depleting Vimentin expression. In summary, HDGF elicits the activation of PI3K/Akt/Rho GTPases signaling cascade, thereby promoting cytoskeleton remodeling to stimulate cellular migration. Moreover, the formation of podosome rosettes is correlated with cell invasion, the podosome-stimulating capability of HDGF is consistent with HDGF regulates the metastasis of breast cancer through modulating of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, our results provide not only novel insights into the role of the HDGF in cell migration and tumor metastasis, but also validate a novel prognostic indicator for breast cancer. Key words: Hepatoma-derived growth factor, PI3K, Akt, epithelal-mesenchemal transition, E-cadherin, Vimentin

No description available.

The occurrence of clinically diagnosed and/or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in the families of 220 patients with AAAs, treated at the Surgical Clinic, University Hospital of Umeå in the northern part of Sweden during the years 1965-82, was studied. A questionnaire concerning the blood relatives was answered by 87/89 patients. 16/87 patients (18%) had blood relatives with AAAs. In 14 families one blood relative was affected, and in 2 families two blood relatives were affected. First degree relatives were affected in 9/87 cases (10%), and second degree relatives in 7/87 cases (8%). 9/468 (1.9%) of the patients' brothers and sisters but only five of all their cousins had AAAs, and 7/204 (3.4%) of the dead brothers and sisters had died of ruptured AAAs. Concerning the patients who were not included in the letter survey at least 14/133had blood relatives with AAAs. However, the great majority of these patients were dead when the study was performed and could not be asked aboutthe occurrence of AAAs in their families. The patients with AAAs had significantly higher serum concentrations of triglyceride and (YLDL + LDL)-cholesterol and a significantly lower serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol than randomly selected healthy controls of the same sex and age as the patients. We also compared the distributions of genetic markers (HLA antigens, the blood group systems ABO, Rh, MNSs, P, Kell, Lewis and Duffy and the serum protein group systems haptoglobin, transferrin, group-specific component, complement C3, properdin factor and alpha-1-antitrypsin) in patients with AAAs with the distributions in controls and in some cases with the expected distributions according to the Hardy-Weinberg law. A significantly decreased frequency of Rh-negative individuals, and significantly increased frequencies of Kell-positi ve individuals, of MN heterozygotes and of heterozygotes concerning haptoglobin type was found. Furthermore, the aneurysm walls of patients with and without AAAs in the family were compared concerning the morphology, but no differences were found. We also studied the occurrence of collagen types I and III in the aneurysm walls, and the occurrence of vimentin and desmin in the smooth muscle cells of the aneurysm walls, but all these components were present in the aneurysm walls of both the patients with and those without AAAs in the family. To summarize the results, there seems to be an increased frequency of AAAs, and especially of ruptured AAAs, among the brothers and sisters of patients with AAAs. Elevated serum concentrations of triglyceride and (VLDL + LDL)- cholesterol and a lowered serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol seems to be common in patients with AAAs. There seems to be a hereditary predisposition to the development of AAAs, because we found associations with four different genetic markers (Rh, MN, Kell, haptoglobin group). However, there is probably no specific "familial" type of AAAs, because we found no differences between the patients with and those without AAAs in the family.Key words: / <p>S. 1-42: sammanfattning, s. 43-103: 5 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu

Modelos de desusos do músculo esquelético como imobilização gessada, suspensão são frequentemente utilizados em grupos de pesquisas experimentais. Esse tempo de desuso por período prolongado pode determinar alterações significativas na citoarquitetura muscular. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os aspectos morfológicos do músculo sóleo de ratas em desenvolvimento pós-natal que tiveram seus membros posteriores direitos imobilizados, e posteriormente foram submetidas ao protocolo passivo de alongamento (alongamento manual passivo intermitente), por um período de sete dias. Utilizou-se 20 ratas da raça Wistar (Rattus Norvegicus Albinus) com 21 dias de idade, dividas em cinco grupos: Grupo Controle 21 dias (GC21- Animais com 21 dias), Grupo Imobilizado (GI- Animais de 21 dias que foram imobilizados por 7 dias), Grupo Imobilizado e Alongado (GIA- Animais de 21 dias que foram imobilizados por 7 e reabilitados pelo alongamento durante 3 dias) e Grupo Alongado (GA- Animais de 21 dias não imobilizados por 7 dias e posteriormente alongamentos durante 3 dias), Grupo Controle 30 (GC30 - Animais com 30 dias). Fragmentos dos músculo sóleo foi processado sob diferentes métodos histoquímicos, coloração hematoxilina-eosina e picro-sirius. As variáveis foram avaliadas inter- e intra-grupos através de técnicas estatísticas como: Teste de Kruskall Wallis e pós teste de Dunn. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que o músculo sóleo de ratas bebês sofreram modificações citoarquiteturais significativas quando o alongamento manual intermitente foi usado como recurso terapêutico após 7 dias de desuso do segmento posterior direito (imobilização em flexão plantar). Nos músculos imobilizados, ambas as proteínas (desmina e vimentina) tiveram seus conteúdos reduzidos em relação aos valores controle (21 ou 30 dias), indicando balanço negativo para o tecido pós-desuso. A quantidade dessas proteínas não foi modificada nos animais submetidos somente ao procedimento de alongamento intermitente. Os animais que sofreram imobilização e que foram reabilitados, a quantidade de desmina não aumentou significativamente, não atingindo valores similares ao grupo controle 30 dias. Esses dados sugerem que os filamentos de desmina necessitam de tempo superior a 3 dias de reabilitação por alongamento intermitente para restabelecerem a arquitetura intersticial das fibras e consequentemente favorecerem a transdução mecânica de sinais entre os meios intra e extracelular. Porém, o efeito citoarquitetural do alongamento sobre os filamentos intermediários deve ser acompanhado longitudinalmente e confirmados em adicionais estudos bioquímicos e moleculares. / Disuses models of skeletal muscle as immobilization , suspension are often used in experimental research groups. This time of disuse for a prolonged period can cause significant changes in muscle cytoarchitecture .This study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the soleus muscle of rats in postnatal development that had its members later immobilized rights, and subsequently were subjected to passive stretching protocol (passive manual stretching flashes), for a period of seven days. We used 20 Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus Albinos) race with 21 days of age , divided into five groups: Control Group (CG21- Animal 21 days ), Immobilized Group (IG- Animal 21 days that were immobilized for 7 days ) , Immobilized and Stretched Group (ISG - Animal 21 days that were immobilized for 7 and rehabilitated by stretching for 3 days) and Stretched Group (SG -Animal 21 days not immobilized for 7 days and subsequently stretching for 3 days), Control Group (CG30 - Animals 30 days).Fragments of the soleus muscle was processed under different histochemical methods, hematoxylin - eosin staining and picro-sirius. Variables were evaluated inter - and intra - groups through statistical techniques such as Kruskall Wallis and Dunn\'s post test . Conclusion: The results indicated that the soleus muscle of rats were babies citoarquiteturais significant changes when the manual stretching intermittently been used as a therapeutic resource after 7 days of disuse of the right posterior segment ( immobilization in plantar flexion). The immobilized muscles , both proteins (desmin and vimentin ) content had decreased compared to control values (21 or 30 days), indicating negative after- tissue balance disuse. The amount of these proteins was not modified in animals subjected only to intermittent stretching procedure. The animals underwent immobilization have been rehabilitated and that the amount of desmin was not significantly increased, not reaching values similar to the control group 30 days. These data suggest that desmin filaments need to 3 days longer than the time for rehabilitation to restore the intermittent stretching interstitial fiber architecture and hence favor the mechanical transduction of signals between intra-and extracellular media. However, the effect of stretching on cytoarchitectural intermediate filaments should be followed longitudinally and confirmed in additional biochemical and molecular studies .