Interaction of glucocorticoids and activity patterns affect muscle function

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of glucocorticoids on muscle mass and contractile properties of muscles of similar fiber composition but differing in activity patterns. Rats were divided into two groups and administered prednisolone (5 mg/kg per day) (P; N = 9) or served as controls (C; N = 10) for 10 days. Contractile properties were then determined in the left gastrocnemius-plantaris-soleus (GPS) muscle complex and a strip of costal diaphragm (D). An index of fatigue was also determined in both muscle preparations. Whole-body, GPS, and D weights decreased (P < 0.05) in the P animals (22%, 17%, and 15%, respectively) when compared to C. Specific tension (PO) increased (P < 0.05) in the GPS complex (21%) and decreased in the D (26%). Maximal shortening velocity (Vmax) was not different (P > 0.05) between groups in either the GPS or the D. While the index of fatigue was not different (P > 0.05) between groups in the D, there was a 30% increase (P < 0.05) in the rate of fatigue in the GPS. These data indicate that, although glucocorticoids cause decreased muscle mass in both D and GPS, a change in muscle architecture may prevent a decrease in force-generating ability in some limb muscles. However, glucocorticoids do not increase D fatigability as seen in the GPS.