[Possible mechanism of metabolic disturbance in gastrocnemius muscle after denervation]

Under complete denervation of m. gastrocnemius by crushing of sciatic nerve it was established that the intensity of oxygen free radicals formation increased 3 times, lipid peroxidation intensity 2 times, and the activity of antioxidative enzymes (glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase) increased by 30-50%. Under these conditions the content of sarcolemmal neutral lipids increases and that of phospholipids decreases, proteins disintegrate, muscle atrophy increases. The use of the substances stimulating growth of tissues (neurobolil and thyroxin) 3-5 times increases the activity of enzymes of antioxidant protection of glutathione oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Considerable decrease of lipids peroxidation is observed, and the level of the muscle atrophy decreases.