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Alteration in albumin level during modified muscular activity
Akira Wagatsuma1, Koichi Fujimoto, Shigeru Yamada
1Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Japan.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|July 24, 2002
Summary
Disuse models like immobilization increase albumin protein in skeletal muscle, but not its gene expression. Muscle activity during remobilization normalizes albumin levels, suggesting muscular activity modulates interstitial albumin.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Protein biochemistry
Background:
- Albumin protein levels are elevated in immobilized, atrophied muscles.
- Understanding the regulation of albumin in skeletal muscle during disuse is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various disuse models on albumin protein and mRNA in mouse skeletal muscle.
- To determine if muscular activity during remobilization restores albumin levels.
Main Methods:
- Western blot and immunohistochemistry to assess albumin protein levels and localization.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure albumin gene expression.
- Analysis of muscle mass and key protein markers (myosin heavy chain, actin) during remobilization.
Main Results:
- Hindlimb immobilization, denervation, and tenotomy significantly increased soleus muscle albumin protein (2.1-2.0 fold).
- Albumin protein accumulated in the extracellular space during disuse.
- Albumin gene expression was downregulated in all disuse models.
- Remobilization returned albumin protein levels to baseline by 14 days, while muscle mass and key proteins normalized by 21 days.
Conclusions:
- Disuse models elevate interstitial albumin protein in skeletal muscle.
- Albumin gene expression is downregulated during muscle disuse.
- Muscular activity during remobilization effectively restores albumin protein levels.