Alignment of myoblasts on ultrafine gratings inhibits fusion in vitro.

During development, skeletal muscle precursor cells fuse to form multi-nucleated myotubes. However, it is unclear how this fusion is regulated such that linear myotubes are produced. In a previous study, we found that linear arrays of myoblasts cultured on micropatterns of laminin fused to form linear myotubes of a constant diameter, independent of the width of the laminin track.

Effects of methandienone on the performance and body composition of men undergoing athletic training.

1. In a previous study of the effects of methandienone (Dianabol) on men undergoing athletic training, strength and performance increased, but not significantly more when the subjects were taking the drug than when they were taking placebo. The subjects did, however, gain more weight on the drug, with increases in total body potassium and muscle dimensions.

"Anabolic" effects of methandienone in men undergoing athletic training.

After failure to confirm an anabolic action of testosterone and its derivatives in rats, methandienone ('Dianabol', an "anabolic steroid" used by athletes) has been given to 11 athletic men during a course of weight-training, in a double-blind, crossover experiment. The dose of methandienone was 100 mg/day for 6 wk. Body weight and composition, muscular strength and performance, and indices of endocrine function were studied.