The effect of anabolic hormone 19-nortestosterone propionate on the metabolism of striated muscle during experimental ischaemia

Abstract

Summary The effect of the anabolic hormone 19-nortestosterone propionate (Superanabolon Spofa) on the metabolism of chronically ischaemic striated muscle (anterior tibial m.) was studied in a described model in the rat. Metabolic changes were estimated in terms of the activities of a number of enzymes in muscle fibres. Enzyme activities (AcP, ATPase, CE, LDH, MDH) were determined both biochemically and histochemically excepting SDH, which was determined only by the histochemical way. Morphological changes were investigated by routine histology. Administration of 19-nortestosterone propionate prevented enzymatic changes which are typical for chronic ischaemia, primarily the decrease in the activities of dehydrogenases of Krebs' cycle tricarboxylic acides (MDH, SDH). In addition, the ratio of red to white muscle fibres increased. Administration of anabolic hormone has a similar favourable action on ischaemic muscle as training, studied previously.