Upregulation of Sarcolemmal Hemichannels and Inflammatory Transcripts with Neuromuscular Junction Instability during Lower Limb Unloading in Humans.

ABSTRACT: Human skeletal muscle atrophy and a disproportionate force loss occur within a few days of unloading in space and on Earth, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Disruption of neuromuscular junction homeostasis has been proposed as one of the possible causes. Here, we investigated the potential mechanisms involved in this neuromuscular disruption induced by a 10-day unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) in humans. Specifically, we investigated hemichannels' upregulation, neuromuscular junction and axonal damage, neurotrophins' receptor downregulation and inflammatory transcriptional signatures. Biomarkers were evaluated at local and systemic levels. At the sarcolemmal level, changes were found to be associated with an increased expression of connexin 43 and pannexin-1.

SUBMITTER: Sirago G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10044797 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature