The distribution of caveolin-3 immunofluorescence in skeletal muscle fibre membrane defined by dual channel confocal laser scanning microscopy, fast Fourier transform and image modelling

Membrane domains rich in caveolin‐3 overlie sarcomeric actin in skeletal muscle. The membrane exhibits a regular array of caveolin‐3 immunofluorescence using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Fourier analysis of tissue imaged by CLSM accurately defines a repeating intensity with a long‐axis spacing of 1.48 µm confirmed by measurement of direct images. Reverse fast Fourier transform (FFT) and image‐modelling allow reconstruction of the pattern. Mathematical modelling has allowed replication of several features of the FFT, including the second order maxima that confirm the relatively high information content of the original images. Measurements of membrane‐pattern primary long‐axis spacings are consistent with our measurements of the I‐band sarcomere repeat in similarly prepared specimens labelled with fluorescent phalloidin or imaged using differential interference contrast microscopy. Dual‐channel CLSM analysis of the sarcomeric banding pattern of actin and the repeating pattern of muscle fibre membrane caveolin showed that caveolae overlie the I‐band. The anti‐caveolin immunofluorescence is deficient over the Z‐disc and maximal toward each of the I‐band extremities. A mechanism of membrane shape change in which membrane–lipid molecules are interposed between more stable anchored rafts associated with caveolae can be envisaged. Thus, increasing girth and reducing length of the sarcolemma in rapid contraction may be explained.