Effect of Intracellular and Extracellular Ion Changes on E–C Coupling and Skeletal Muscle Fatigue

Authors

Robert H. Fitts, Marquette UniversityFollow
Edward Michael Balog, Marquette University

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

13 p.

Publication Date

3-1996

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica

Source ISSN

0001-6772

Abstract

The causative factors in muscle fatigue are multiple, and vary depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise, the fibre type composition of the muscle, and the individual's degree of fitness. Regardless of the aetiology, fatigue is characterized by the inability to maintain the required power output, and the decline in power can be attributed to a reduced force and velocity. Following high-intensity exercise, peak force has been shown to recover biphasically with an initial rapid (2 min) recovery followed by a slower (50 min) return to the pre-fatigued condition. The resting membrane potential depolarizes by 10–15 mV, while the action potential overshoot declines by a similar magnitude. Following high-frequency stimulation of the frog semitendinous muscle, we observed intracellular potassium [K⁺]_i decrease from 142±5 to 97±8 mm, while sodium [Na⁺]_i rose from 16±1 to 49±6 mm. The [K⁺]_i loss was similar to that observed in fatigued mouse and human skeletal muscle, which suggests that there may be a limit to which [K⁺]_i can decrease before the associated depolarization begins to limit the action potential frequency. Fibre depolarization to -60 mV (a value observed in some cells) caused a significant reduction in the t-tubular charge movement, and the extent of the decline was inversely related to the concentration of extracellular Ca²⁺. A decrease in intracellular pH (pH_i) to 6.0 was observed, and it has been suggested by some that low pH may disrupt E–C coupling by directly inhibiting the SR Ca²⁺ release channel. However, Lamb et al. (1992) observed that low pH had no effect on Ca²⁺ release, and we found low pH_i to have no effect on t-tubular charge movement (Q) or the Q vs. V_m relationship. The Ca²⁺ released from the SR plays three important roles in the regulation of E–C coupling. As Ca²⁺ rises, it binds to the inner surface of the t-tubular charge sensor to increase charge (Q_γ) and thus Ca²⁺ release, it opens SR Ca²⁺ channels that are not voltage-regulated, and as [Ca²⁺]_i increases further it feeds back to close the same channels. The late stages of fatigue have been shown to be in part caused by a reduced SR Ca²⁺ release. The exact cause of the reduced release is unknown, but the mechanism appears to involve a direct inhibition of the SR Ca²⁺ channel.

Comments

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, Vol. 156, No. 3 (March 1996): 169-181. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Fitts, Robert H. and Balog, Edward Michael, "Effect of Intracellular and Extracellular Ion Changes on E–C Coupling and Skeletal Muscle Fatigue" (1996). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 445.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/445