Effect of denervation on glycogen metabolism in fast and slow muscle of rat

The postdenervation changes in glycogen metabolism were explored in fast (extensor digitorum longus, EDL), and slow (soleus, S) muscle of rat. During the first 12–14 hours after denervation, glycogen accumulates to a similar content in the two muscles, an effect reproduced by paralysis. Increase in the molecular weight of glycogen and decrease in the turnover rate of similar degree occur. During the ensuring 12–24 hours the glycogen concentration decreases in EDL (but not in S). This decrease is influenced by factors such as muscle type, longer or shorter nerve stump, age, and previous training of the animal. In both EDL and S, the rate of glucose incorporation into glycogen and the glycogen synthase [l/(l + D)] activity were depressed by denervation. The cAMP concentration increased 36 hours after denervation. This may have consequences on the muscle sensitivity to hormones. In fact, at this time, insulin did not increase glycogen synthase l activity or the glycogen content (with the exception of glycogen in S) and the effects of epinephrine on glycogen metabolism became more significant.