AJP - Cell Physiology, Vol 254, Issue 5 C651-C656, Copyright © 1988 by American Physiological Society

ARTICLES

Alpha-actin and cytochrome c mRNAs in atrophied adult rat skeletal muscle

P. Babij and F. W. Booth
Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 77225.

Specific complementary DNA (cDNA) hybridization probes were used to estimate the levels of alpha-actin and cytochrome c mRNAs and also 18S rRNA in three models of skeletal muscle atrophy. After 7 days of hindlimb suspension, or immobilization, or denervation, protein content decreased 26-32% in all muscles studied except suspended fast-twitch muscle, which lost only half as much protein. alpha-Actin mRNA content decreased 51-66% and cytochrome c mRNA content decreased 42-61% in slow- and fast-twitch muscles in all three models of atrophy. However, total RNA content did not show similar directional changes; RNA content decreased 27-44% in suspended and immobilized muscle but was unchanged in denervated fast-twitch muscle. The results were interpreted to suggest that loss of weight-bearing function of skeletal muscle is a major factor affecting the levels of alpha-actin and cytochrome c mRNAs during muscle atrophy.

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