Diaphragm strength and cross-bridge properties during chronic growth hormone hypersecretion

The aim of the study was to determine diaphragm performance and cross-bridge properties in rats bearing a growth hormone (GH)-secreting tumour. The tumour was induced by subcutaneous injection of GH-hypersecreting cells (GC cells) into the flank. Eighteen weeks after GC cell injection, rats developed a GH-secreting tumour (45.4+/-5.1 g) and the GH plasma level reached 5,408+/-648 microg x L(-1) in GH rats versus 7.2+/-2.2 microg x L(-1) in control rats (p<0.001). Diaphragm mechanics and cross-bridge properties were studied by applying the equations of A. Huxley in isolated diaphragm strips (control rats: n=12; GH rats n=20). In comparison to control rats, the total tension and total number of cross-bridges x mm(-2) in GH rats were lower in both twitch and tetanus (p<0.001). A linear relationship was observed between total tension and total cross-bridge number (r=0.94; p<0.001). Conversely, the cross-bridge single force and peak mechanical efficiency did not differ between control and GH rats, in either twitch or tetanus modes. In conclusion, the diaphragm strength was significantly lower in rats bearing growth hormone secreting tumours, and this was essentially determined by the lower cross-bridge number x mm(-2) without change in cross-bridge single force.