Diazacholesterol myotonia: accumulation of desmosterol and increased adenosine triphosphatase activity of sarcolemma.

Myotonia induced in rats by 20,25-diazacholesterol is accompanied by accumulation of desmosterol in serum, fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum, and sarcolemma. Activities of (Na(+),K(+))- and Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatases of the sarcolemma are increased, but not the Mg(2+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase. The altered sterol composition of the sarcolemma may cause this type of myotonia by decreasing the chloride conductance of the membrane.