Protein synthesis rates in atrophied gastrocnemius muscles after limb immobilization

Fractional rates of protein synthesis in rats were determined by the constant-infusion technique. Rates of protein synthesis in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly reduced from control values throughout a 7-day period of hindlimb immobilization and 1) significantly increased to control values during the first 6 h following the 7-day period of hindlimb immobilization; 2) remained at control values for the next 2 days; and 3) then significantly increased to about twice control values on the 4th day following immobilization. Exercise of sufficient duration and/or intensity affected a further increase in the protein synthesis rate during recovery from atrophy. For example, running on a motor-driven treadmill 1 h daily for 3 days after ending limb immobilization resulted in a significant increase in the fractional rate of protein synthesis in the gastrocnemius muscle on the 2nd day following immobilization. Also, weight lifting for 200 s on the 2nd day of protein synthesis in the gastrocnemius muscle. Thus increased usage of atrophied muscle was followed by an increased rate of protein synthesis.