Stimulation of calcineurin Aα activity attenuates muscle pathophysiology in mdx dystrophic mice

2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (3) ◽  
pp. R983-R992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Stupka ◽  
Jonathan D. Schertzer ◽  
Rhonda Bassel-Duby ◽  
Eric N. Olson ◽  
Gordon S. Lynch

Calcineurin activation ameliorates the dystrophic pathology of hindlimb muscles in mdx mice and decreases their susceptibility to contraction damage. In mdx mice, the diaphragm is more severely affected than hindlimb muscles and more representative of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The constitutively active calcineurin Aα transgene (CnAα) was overexpressed in skeletal muscles of mdx ( mdx CnAα*) mice to test whether muscle morphology and function would be improved. Contractile function of diaphragm strips and extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles from adult mdx CnAα* and mdx mice was examined in vitro. Hindlimb muscles from mdx CnAα* mice had a prolonged twitch time course and were more resistant to fatigue. Because of a slower phenotype and a decrease in fiber cross-sectional area, normalized force was lower in fast- and slow-twitch muscles of mdx CnAα* than mdx mice. In the diaphragm, despite a slower phenotype and a ∼35% reduction in fiber size, normalized force was preserved. This was likely mediated by the reduction in the area of the diaphragm undergoing degeneration (i.e., mononuclear cell and connective and adipose tissue infiltration). The proportion of centrally nucleated fibers was reduced in mdx CnAα* compared with mdx mice, indicative of improved myofiber viability. In hindlimb muscles of mdx mice, calcineurin activation increased expression of markers of regeneration, particularly developmental myosin heavy chain isoform and myocyte enhancer factor 2A. Thus activation of the calcineurin signal transduction pathway has potential to ameliorate the mdx pathophysiology, especially in the diaphragm, through its effects on muscle degeneration and regeneration and endurance capacity.

2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 2508-2513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Clanton ◽  
Valerie P. Wright ◽  
Peter J. Reiser ◽  
Paul F. Klawitter ◽  
Nanduri R. Prabhakar

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), associated with obstructive sleep apnea, initiates adaptive physiological responses in a variety of organs. Little is known about its influence on diaphragm. IH was simulated by exposing rats to alternating 15-s cycles of 5% O2 and 21% O2 for 5 min, 9 sets/h, 8 h/day, for 10 days. Controls did not experience IH. Diaphragms were excised 20–36 h after IH. Diaphragm bundles were studied in vitro or analyzed for myosin heavy chain isoform composition. No differences in maximum tetanic stress were observed between groups. However, peak twitch stress ( P < 0.005), twitch half-relaxation time ( P < 0.02), and tetanic stress at 20 or 30 Hz ( P < 0.05) were elevated in IH. No differences in expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms or susceptibility to fatigue were seen. Contractile function after 30 min of anoxia (95% N2-5% CO2) was markedly preserved at all stimulation frequencies during IH and at low frequencies after 15 min of reoxygenation. Anoxia-induced increases in passive muscle force were eliminated in the IH animals ( P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that IH induces adaptive responses in the diaphragm that preserve its function in anoxia.


2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (3) ◽  
pp. E499-E505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Schertzer ◽  
James G. Ryall ◽  
Gordon S. Lynch

The absence of dystrophin and resultant disruption of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex renders skeletal muscles of dystrophic patients and dystrophic mdx mice susceptible to contraction-induced injury. Strategies to reduce contraction-induced injury are of critical importance, because this mode of damage contributes to the etiology of myofiber breakdown in the dystrophic pathology. Transgenic overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) causes myofiber hypertrophy, increases force production, and can improve the dystrophic pathology in mdx mice. In contrast, the predominant effect of continuous exogenous administration of IGF-I to mdx mice at a low dose (1.0–1.5 mg·kg−1·day−1) is a shift in muscle phenotype from fast glycolytic toward a more oxidative, fatigue-resistant, slow muscle without alterations in myofiber cross-sectional area, muscle mass, or maximum force-producing capacity. We found that exogenous administration of IGF-I to mdx mice increased myofiber succinate dehydrogenase activity, shifted the overall myosin heavy chain isoform composition toward a slower phenotype, and, most importantly, reduced contraction-induced damage in tibialis anterior muscles. The deficit in force-producing capacity after two damaging lengthening contractions was reduced significantly in tibialis anterior muscles of IGF-I-treated (53 ± 4%) compared with untreated mdx mice (70 ± 5%, P < 0.05). The results provide further evidence that IGF-I administration can enhance the functional properties of dystrophic skeletal muscle and, compared with results in transgenic mice or virus-mediated overexpression, highlight the disparities in different models of endocrine factor delivery.


1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (4) ◽  
pp. H1174-H1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Davis

The hypothesis that spontaneous contractions of bat wing venules could be modulated by luminal flow was tested. Single venules (114 +/- 5 microns diam) from the wings of anesthetized pallid bats were dissected, cannulated, and pressurized in vitro. A dual reservoir system was used to independently control luminal pressure and flow. In the absence of flow, and with pressure set to 10 cmH2O, all venules contracted spontaneously at rates between 20 and 40 cycles/min. Pressure elevation over the range of 3-10 cmH2O caused a rapid increase in contraction frequency and decrease in amplitude; pressure reduction caused a rapid decrease in contraction frequency and increase in amplitude. In contrast, initiation of flow resulted in a delayed and gradual reduction of contraction amplitude and/or frequency (sometimes to zero). The net effect of flow was to increase mean diameter and decrease the product of frequency x cross-sectional area. Flow-induced inhibition of venular contraction was eliminated by endothelial denudation but persisted in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-4) M) or indomethacin (10(-5) M) in concentrations that blocked the effects of exogenously applied ATP or arachidonic acid, respectively. The flow-induced venular response also persisted in the presence of superoxide dismutase (55 U/ml). Denuded venules responded to flow when placed downstream (i.e., perfused in series) from venules with intact endothelium. These results indicate that luminal flow can modulate the contractile function of bat wing venules via release of a transferable substance from the endothelium. The exact nature of the substance is not yet known but it does not appear to be classical endothelium-derived relaxing factor, a prostaglandin, or an oxygen radical.


1994 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 743-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Hershenson ◽  
M. E. Wylam ◽  
N. Punjabi ◽  
J. G. Umans ◽  
P. T. Schumacker ◽  
...  

Recently, we demonstrated that chronic exposure to hyperoxia causes in vivo airway muscarinic receptor hyperresponsiveness in the developing rat [Am. J. Physiol. 262 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 6): L263-L269, 1992]. To test whether airway cholinergic hyperresponsiveness might result from intrinsic alterations in smooth muscle contractility, we measured the effect of in vivo hyperoxia on the contractile force elicited by acetylcholine (ACh) of isometrically mounted tracheal rings in vitro. Tracheal rings were obtained from 3-wk-old rats exposed to air or to > 95% O2 for 8 days. Muscarinic responses were determined by measuring the force elicited by exposure to increasing concentrations of ACh. Responses were normalized to the morphometrically determined tracheal smooth muscle cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the axis of force generation. In vivo O2 exposure significantly increased maximal ACh-induced stress generation (response to 10(-3) M ACh: air, 15.92 +/- 1.37 g/mm2; O2, 21.78 +/- 1.52 g/mm2; P = 0.010). The ACh-induced stress generation of cylinders from hyperoxic rats was substantially reduced by both epithelial removal and treatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. We conclude that in vivo hyperoxic exposure increases tracheal smooth muscle contractile function in vitro and that epithelium-derived prostaglandin(s) contributes to the observed increase in maximal contractile responsiveness.


2011 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 512-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Xu ◽  
Dawn A. Delfín ◽  
Jill A. Rafael-Fortney ◽  
Paul M. L. Janssen

Lengthening-contractions exert eccentric stress on myofibers in normal myocardium. In congestive heart failure caused by a variety of diseases, the impact of lengthening-contractions of myocardium likely becomes more prevalent and severe. The present study introduces a method to investigate the role of stretching imposed by repetitive lengthening-contractions in myocardium under near-physiological conditions. By exerting various stretch-release ramps while the muscle is contracting, consecutive lengthening-contractions and their potential detrimental effect on cardiac function can be studied. We tested our model and hypothesis in age-matched (young and adult) mdx and wild-type mouse right ventricular trabeculae. These linear and ultrathin muscles possess all major cardiac cell types, and their contractile behavior very closely mimics that of the whole myocardium. In the first group of experiments, 10 lengthening-contractions at various magnitudes of stretch were performed in trabeculae from 10-wk-old mdx and wild-type mice. In the second group, 100 lengthening-contractions at various magnitudes were conducted in trabeculae from 10- and 20-wk-old mice. The peak isometric active developed tension (Fdev, in mN/mm2) and kinetic parameters time to peak tension (TTP, in ms) and time from peak tension to half-relaxation (RT50, in ms) were measured. Our results indicate lengthening-contractions significantly impact contractile behavior, and that dystrophin-deficient myocardium in mdx mice is significantly more susceptible to these damaging lengthening-contractions. The results indicate that lengthening-contractions in intact myocardium can be used in vitro to study this emerging contributor to cardiomyopathy.


1982 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 677-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Witzmann ◽  
D. H. Kim ◽  
R. H. Fitts

Contractile properties were evaluated in rats remobilized after 6 wk of hindlimb casting to evaluate the regenerative capacity of fast and slow skeletal muscles. Contractile parameters were determined in vitro (22 degrees C) in the type I soleus (SOL), type IIA and IIB extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and the type IIB superficial vastus lateralis (SVL). Immobilization (IM) shortened the SOL isometric twitch duration after which contraction time and half-relaxation time required 4 and 7 days to recover, respectively. In contrast, IM prolonged the twitch in the EDL and SVL and recovery required 14 and 7 days, respectively. Peak tetanic tension (g/cm2) fell in the SOL and EDL with IM and full recovery required 28 days. In this regard, the SVL remained unaltered. Rates of tension development and decline remained essentially unaltered in the fast muscles after IM but fell in the SOL, requiring 14 days to fully recover. Maximal shortening velocity, which had been elevated in all three muscles by IM, recovered rapidly. The present results demonstrate that both fast and slow muscle have the ability to completely recover from 6 weeks of IM.


2018 ◽  
Vol 314 (4) ◽  
pp. R523-R532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanakeswary Karisnan ◽  
Tanzila Mahzabin ◽  
Anthony J. Bakker ◽  
Yong Song ◽  
Peter B. Noble ◽  
...  

The preterm diaphragm is functionally immature compared with its term counterpart. In utero inflammation further exacerbates preterm diaphragm dysfunction. We hypothesized that preterm lambs are more vulnerable to in utero inflammation-induced diaphragm dysfunction compared with term lambs. Pregnant ewes received intra-amniotic (IA) injections of saline or 10 mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 2 or 7 days before delivery at 121 days (preterm) or ∼145 days (term) of gestation. Diaphragm contractile function was assessed in vitro. Plasma cytokines, diaphragm myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Maximum diaphragm force in preterm control lambs was significantly lower (22%) than in term control lambs ( P < 0.001). Despite similar inflammatory cytokine responses to in utero LPS exposure, diaphragm function in preterm and term lambs was affected differentially. In term lambs, maximum force after a 2-day LPS exposure was significantly lower than in controls (by ~20%, P < 0.05). In preterm lambs, maximum forces after 2-day and 7-day LPS exposures were significantly lower than in controls (by ~30%, P < 0.05). Peak twitch force after LPS exposure was significantly lower in preterm than in controls, but not in term lambs. In term lambs, LPS exposure increased the proportion of MHC-I fibers, increased twitch contraction times, and increased fatigue resistance relative to controls. In preterm diaphragm, the cross-sectional area of embryonic MHC fibers was significantly lower after 7-day versus 2-day LPS exposures. We conclude that preterm lambs are more vulnerable to IA LPS-induced diaphragm dysfunction than term lambs. In utero inflammation exacerbates diaphragm dysfunction and may increase susceptibility to postnatal respiratory failure.


2022 ◽  
Vol 2022 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Young In Kim ◽  
Hyunjung Lee ◽  
Farida S. Nirmala ◽  
Hyo-Deok Seo ◽  
Tae Youl Ha ◽  
...  

Skeletal muscle atrophy is defined as wasting or loss of muscle. Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are well-known anti-inflammatory drugs, their long-term or high-dose use induces skeletal muscle atrophy. Valeriana fauriei (VF) is used to treat restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disorders; however, its effects on skeletal muscle health have not been investigated. This study investigated whether Valeriana fauriei could ameliorate muscle atrophy. We induced muscle atrophy in vitro and in vivo, by treatment with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic GC. In DEX-induced myotube atrophy, Valeriana fauriei treatment increased the fusion index and decreased the expression of muscle atrophic genes such as muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx/Atrogin-1) and muscle RING-finger protein 1 (MuRF1). In DEX-treated mice with muscle atrophy, Valeriana fauriei supplementation increased the ability to exercise, muscle weight, and cross-sectional area, whereas it inhibited myosin heavy chain isoform transition and the expression of muscle atrophy biomarkers. Valeriana fauriei treatment led to via the downregulation of muscle atrophic genes via inhibition of GC receptor translocation. Valeriana fauriei was also found to act as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Didrovaltrate (DI), an iridoid compound from Valeriana fauriei, was found to downregulate atrophic genes and decrease ROS in the DEX-induced myotube atrophy. Consolidated, our results indicate that Valeriana fauriei prevents DEX-induced muscle atrophy by inhibiting GC receptor translocation. Further, Valeriana fauriei acts as a ROS scavenger, and its functional compound is didrovaltrate. We suggest that Valeriana fauriei and its functional compound didrovaltrate possess therapeutic potentials against muscle atrophy.


1993 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. L. Coetzee

SummaryThe immediate postoperative biomechanical properties of an “underand-over” cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) replacement technique consisting of fascia lata and the lateral onethird of the patellar ligament, were compared with that of a modified intra- and extracapsular “under-and-over-the-top” (UOTT) method. The right CCL in twelve adult dogs was dissected out and replaced with an autograft. The contralateral, intact CCL served as the control. In group A, the graft was secured to the lateral femoral condyle with a spiked washer and screw. In group B the intracapsular graft was secured to the lateral femoro-fabellar ligament, and the remainder to the patellar tendon. Both CCL replacement techniques exhibited a 2.0 ± 0.5 mm anterior drawer immediately after the operation. After skeletonization of the stifles, the length and cross-sectional area of the intact CCL and CCL substitutes were determined. Each bone-ligament unit was tested in linear tension to failure at a fixed distraction rate of 15 mm/s with the stifle in 120° flexion. Data was processed to obtain the corresponding material parameters (modulus, stress and strain in the linear loading region, and energy absorption to maximum load).The immediate postoperative structural and material properties of the “under-and-over” cranial cruciate ligament replacement technique with autogenous fascia lata, were compared to that of a modified intra- and extracapsular “under-and-over-the-top” (UOTT) method. The combined UOT T technique was slightly stronger (6%), but allowed 2.8 ± 0.9 mm more cranial tibial displacement at maximum linear force.


1991 ◽  
Vol 66 (05) ◽  
pp. 609-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
I R MacGregor ◽  
J M Ferguson ◽  
L F McLaughlin ◽  
T Burnouf ◽  
C V Prowse

SummaryA non-stasis canine model of thrombogenicity has been used to evaluate batches of high purity factor IX concentrates from 4 manufacturers and a conventional prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Platelets, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation products and fibrinopeptide A (FPA) were monitored before and after infusion of concentrate. Changes in FPA were found to be the most sensitive and reproducible indicator of thrombogenicity after infusion of batches of the PCC at doses of between 60 and 180 IU/kg, with a dose related delayed increase in FPA occurring. Total FPA generated after 100-120 IU/kg of 3 batches of PCC over the 3 h time course was 9-12 times that generated after albumin infusion. In contrast the amounts of FPA generated after 200 IU/kg of the 4 high purity factor IX products were in all cases similar to albumin infusion. It was noted that some batches of high purity concentrates had short NAPTTs indicating that current in vitro tests for potential thrombogenicity may be misleading in predicting the effects of these concentrates in vivo.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document