Mdm2 expression in striated muscles follows a pattern similar to that of markers for the vascular and oxidative phenotype. Protein levels of Mdm2 (A), CD31 (B), VEGF-A (C), and COX-IV (D) were determined by Western blot in rat striated muscles. Mdm2 is highly expressed in muscles presenting a high level of capillarization, as reflected by CD31 and VEGF-A expression, as well as a high oxidative phenotype, as reflected by COX-IV expression. Data from densitometry analysis are means ± se (n=4–7 rats). EDL, extensor digitorum longus; PLA, plantaris; SOL, soleus; NS, nonspecific. *P ≤ 0.05, **P ≤ 0.01, ***P ≤ 0.001 vs. EDL; ƒP ≤ 0.05, ƒƒP ≤ 0.01, ƒƒƒP ≤ 0.001 vs. PLA; †P ≤ 0.05 vs. SOL.