3-Methylhistidine excretion as an index of myofibrillar protein catabolism in neuromuscular disease.

Abstract

Myofibrillar protein catabolism was calculated in a variety of neuromuscular diseases from the amount of 3-methylhistidine excreted in the urine. It was significantly raised in Duchenne type muscular dystrophy, motor neuron disease, polymyositis and thyrotoxic myopathy. In Becker type muscular dystrophy the level was slightly raised. It was normal in scapuloperoneal and limb girdle dystrophy, dystrophia myotonica, extrapyramidal disease and multiple sclerosis. It was significantly decreased in hypothyroid myopathy.