Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXIII, Issue 1
Written by Cosmin ȘONEA, Flory REVNIC, Cristian Romeo REVNIC
Skeletal muscle is a very good model for fundamental research of aging process due to its postmitotic character. In order to obtain new data concerning muscle contraction at the molecular level, the polar groups of contractile proteins have been investigated by means of 1H NMR Spectroscopy. Glycerinated Sartorius muscle from 6 and 37 months old rats has been used for proton transverse relaxation time measurements in Ri, Co and Re at different [ATP]. The distribution of negative charges in contraction and relaxation has been measured by exposing glycerinated muscle from 6 to 37 months old rats to different [Mn2+]. Our data have pointed out the existence of two proton relaxation tines: T2s and T21 accounted for two water compartments. The modifications in water state are related with modifications in contractile activity. The elongation odd proton transverse relaxation time is associated with a decrease in the degree of water molecules aggregation. T2s and T2l are correlated with a reduction in muscle hydration, contraction being a function of ions binding to the protein sites. These sites are implicated in determination of protein hydration state.
[Read full article] [Citation]
