ISSN:
1573-2657
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Mechanically skinned fibre preparations from the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat were used to test whether a rise in myoplasmic [NH4 +] in the range 2–10 mm interferes with the mechanism of excitation-contraction coupling in fast-twitch mammalian muscle. Under our conditions (pH 7.10, Mg2+ 1 mm, temperature 23° C), [NH4 +] up to 10 mm had little effect on the Ca+-activated force and on the peak of the t-system depolarization-induced force response. However, the duration of the depolarization-induced force response was decreased significantly at [NH4 +] ≥2 mm. From these data we conclude that the intracellular accumulation of NH4 + is not likely to play a major role in fatigue. Nevertheless, the build up of NH4 + during fatigue, may have a significant inhibitory effect on the force output by decreasing the duration of the t-system depolarization-induced activation of the contractile apparatus.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00154055
