In vivo chararcterization of the role of TRPC1 Channel in skeletal muscle function

Skeletal muscle contraction is reputed not to depend on extracellular Ca2+. Indeed, stricto sensu, excitationcontraction coupling does not necessitate entry of Ca2+. However, we previously observed that, during sustained activity (repeated contractions), entry of Ca2+ is needed to maintain force production. The influx of Ca2+ through TRPC1 represents a minor part of the entry of Ca2+ into muscle fibers at rest, and the activity of the channel is not store dependent. The lack of TRPC1 does not affect intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients reached during a single isometric contraction. However, the involvement of TRPC1-related Ca2+ entry is clearly emphasized in muscle fatigue. Indeed, muscles from TRPC1-/- mice stimulated repeatedly progressively display lower [Ca2+](i) transients than those observed in TRPC1+/+ fibers, and they also present an accentuated progressive loss of force. Interestingly, muscles from TRPC1-/- mice display a smaller fiber cross-sectional area. In the present study, we evaluated the involvement of the canonical transient receptor potential TRPC1 ion channel in muscle function, basal activity and paws coordination. To study the role of TRPC1 in skeletal muscle functions, we investigated in vivo the ability of the TRPC1-/- mice to perform voluntary (running wheel and escape test) or endurance exercises (treadmill and wire test). If TRPC1-/- mice do not exhibit any difficulty to perform voluntary exercise, they show a predisposition to muscle fatigue. Indeed, the performances of the TRPC1-/- mice in the treadmill and wire test were lower than those observed in control mice. We also compared basal activity (home cage activity) and coordination (rotarod, balance-beam test). We conclude that TRPC1 ion channels modulate the entry of Ca2+ during repeated contractions and help muscles to maintain their force during sustained repeated contractions.