Succinate-cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome oxidase and aldolase activities of denervated rat skeletal muscle

Abstract

Young adult male Wistar rats with an average beginning weight of 294 gm had a segment of the right sciatic nerve removed. The nonoperated left leg served as a control. Succinate-cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome oxidase and aldolase activities, total RNA-P, total DNA-P and total protein were determined for both the denervated and control gastrocnemii muscles. The results for the enzymatic activities were expressed in terms of unit activity and total activity. The denervated muscles had significantly less enzymatic activity, RNA-P, wet weight and protein content (P < 0.02). The losses apparently occurred in the cytoplasmic portion of the muscle fiber. However, this loss was not revealed histologically in the cross section of the muscle fiber. Expression of the results on the basis of unit protein, nitrogen or RNA-P did not significantly alter the results.