Oxidative stress after muscle damage from immobilization and remobilization occurs locally and systemically

Higher oxidative stress reportedly plays a key role in muscle damage caused by immobilization and subsequent remobilization. However, we have no clear understanding regarding oxidative stress during immobilization and remobilization. The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of oxidative stress by measuring oxidative stress locally and systemically. Twenty-three New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. Blood samples were collected on Days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 of immobilization, and Days 1, 2, 3, and 4 of remobilization. The soleus muscles in immobilized and nonimmobilized limbs were harvested on Day 21 of immobilization and Day 7 or Day 14 of remobilization. Muscle wet weight was determined as the indicator of muscle atrophy. The levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione in plasma and soleus muscles were measured. Immobilization and remobilization induced an increase in the lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in glutathione levels in muscle and blood. These findings suggest that oxidative stress occurs locally and systemically, lasts throughout the immobilization period, but peaks at the early phase of remobilization.