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Prediction of the Time Course of Rigor Mortis Through Response of Muscle Tissue to Electrical Stimulation
Author(s) -
FORREST J. C.,
JUDGE M. D.,
SINK J. D.,
HOEKSTRA W. G.,
BRISKEY E. J.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2621.1966.tb15408.x
Subject(s) - rigor mortis , stimulation , glycolysis , contraction (grammar) , contractility , muscle contraction , anatomy , biology , endocrinology , metabolism
SUMMARY A technique based on muscle response to electrical stimulation was shown to be useful in predicting, within 10 min of exsanguination, the time course of rigor mortis, rate of postmortem glycolysis, and ultimate color‐morphology rating. The response of an excised muscle to electrical stimulation was highly associated with post‐mortem muscle properties. The excitability threshold (lowest voltage at which contraction resulted) was found to be high in muscles which had a short time course of rigor mortis, fast postmortem glycolysis, and pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) ultimate gross morphology; and low in muscles with a long time course of rigor mortis, slow post‐mortem glycolysis, and ultimately normal color‐morphology. Strength of contraction (at 5, 10, 25, and 50 volts) was observed to be highest in muscles which exhibited long rigor, slow glycolytic rate, and normal color‐morphology. The duration of contractility (maintained under repeated stimulation at 2 cycles/see) was also noted to be longer in this type of muscle. Multiple‐regression analysis indicated that up to 87% of the variability in color‐morphology rating could be predicted by combining the various parameters of muscle response to electrical stimulation. Breed differences were observed which must be taken into account when using prediction equations.