Changes in glucose 1,6-bisphosphate content in rat skeletal muscle during contraction

Glucose 1,6-bisphosphate, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, glycogen, lactate and other glycolytic metabolites were measured in rat gastrocnemius muscle, which was electrically stimulated in situ via the sciatic nerve. Both the frequency and the duration of stimulation were varied to obtain different rates of glycolysis. There was no apparent relationship between fructose 2,6-bisphosphate content and lactate accumulation in contracting muscle. In contrast, glucose 1,6-bisphosphate content increased with lactate concentration during contraction. It is suggested that the increase in glucose 1,6-bisphosphate could play a role in phosphofructokinase stimulation and in the activation of the glycolytic flux during muscle contraction.