Changes of Contractile Properties of Extensor Digitorum Longus in Response to Creatine-Analogue Administration and/or Hindlimb Suspension in Rats

Changes of contractile properties of extensor digitorum longus in response to hindlimb suspension and/or altered high-energy phosphate contents were studied in rats. A reduction of high-energy phosphates, especially phosphocreatine, was seen in rats fed creatine analogue β-guanidinopropionic acid (β-GPA), but they were elevated after 10-d supplementation of creatine. The one-half relaxation time was increased by feeding β-GPA, but was normalized by creatine supply. The fatigue resistance of creatine-depleted muscle was significantly improved, but tended to decrease by suspension and creatine supply, although it was still better than that in the control diet group. It is indicated that the contractile properties of muscle are influenced by the high-energy phosphate content. It is also suggested that the endurance capacity may be influenced by the mitochondrial respiratory capacity, but not necessarily by the levels of high-energy phosphates.