Changes in the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of skeletal muscle subjected to plaster cast immobilization.

The effect of immobilization for different periods (7, 14, 28 and 42 days) on the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of rabbit muscles with different functions was studied by measuring the total activity of LDH and MDH as well as the distribution of their isoenzymes. The results showed that on plaster casting the characteristic aerobic metabolism of m. soleus declined with a concomitant increase in glycolytic processes. In m. gastrocnemius the anaerobic metabolism of the muscle was relatively decreased on immobilization, but glycolysis remained the prevailing energy yielding process. On immobilization the metabolism of m. soleus and that of m. gastrocnemius approached each other. This may indicate a certain dedifferentiation of the muscle tissue.