Disturbances of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse tubular system in 24-h electrostimulated fast-twitch skeletal muscle.
Chronic low-frequency stimulation of rabbit tibialis anterior muscle over a 24-h period induces a conspicuous loss of isometric tension that is unrelated to muscle energy metabolism (J.A. Cadefau, J. Parra, R. Cusso, G. Heine, D. Pette, Responses of fatigable and fatigue-resistant fibres of rabbit muscle to low-frequency stimulation, Pflugers Arch. 424 (1993) 529-537). To assess the involvement of sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse tubular system in this force impairment, we isolated microsomal fractions from stimulated and control (contralateral, unstimulated) muscles on discontinuous sucrose gradients (27-32-34-38-45%, wt/wt). All the fractions were characterized in terms of calcium content, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase activity, and radioligand binding of [3H]-PN 200-110 and [3H]ryanodine, specific to dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels and ryanodine receptors, respectively. Gradient fractions of muscles stimulated for 24 h underwent acute changes in the pattern of protein bands. First, light fractions from longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum, enriched in Ca2+-ATPase activity, R1 and R2, were greatly reduced (67% and 51%, respectively); this reduction was reflected in protein yield of crude microsomal fractions prior to gradient loading (25%). Second, heavy fractions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum were modified, and part (52%) of the R3 fraction was shifted to the R4 fraction, which appeared as a thick, clotted band. Quantification of [3H]-PN 200-110 and [3H]-ryanodine binding revealed co-migration of terminal cisternae and t-tubules from R3 to R4, indicating the presence of triads. This density change may be associated with calcium overload of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, since total calcium rose three- to fourfold in stimulated muscle homogenates. These changes correlate well with ultrastructural damage to longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum and swelling of t-tubules revealed by electron microscopy. The ultrastructural changes observed here reflect exercise-induced damage of membrane systems that might severely compromise muscle function. Since this process is reversible, we suggest that it may be part of a physiological response to fatigue.
Frías
J A
JA
Department of Physiological Sciences I, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), E-08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Cadefau
J A
JA
Prats
C
C
Morán
M
M
Megías
A
A
Cussó
R
R
D000818:Animals; D017301:Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002499:Centrifugation, Density Gradient; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008861:Microsomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D018656:Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011817:Rabbits; D012519:Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013997:Time Factors
D017301:Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase; D002118:Calcium