Increased fat degradation in the denervated muscle of frog.

The total lipids triglycerides, free fatty acids, glycerol and acetoaectate levels in the gastrocnemius muscle of frog denervated for 1 month were compared. A significant atrophy without any change in total DNA content per whole muscle was noted on denervation. No significant change in the mitochondrial protein content in the atrophied muscle was noted. Relative to total muscle mass, the total fat, triglyceride, free fatty acids and glycerols decreased on denervation. This suggests the increased degradation of fat during denervation. Concomittantly lypolytic and esterase activities in the atrophied muscle increased. Palmitate and pyruvate oxidations in the mitochondria of atrophied muscle and also the enzymes of beta-oxidative scheme increased. 14C-acetate incorporation rates revealed that there is a decrease in fatty acid synthesis in the atrophied muscle. It was suggested that the increased fatty acid oxidation and decreased fatty acid synthesis in the atrophic process may not be the result of a simple functional demand; but may involve more factors in terms of neuro-muscular functions.