L-Glutamine Administration Reduces Oxidized Glutathione and MAP Kinase Signaling in Dystrophic Muscle of mdx Mice

To determine whether glutamine (Gln) reduces the ratio of oxidized to total glutathione (GSSG/GSH) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) activation in dystrophic muscle. Four-week old mdx mice, an animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and control (C57BL/10) received daily intraperitoneal injections of l-Gln (500 mg/kg/d) or 0.9% NaCl for 3 d. GSH and GSSG concentrations in gastrocnemius were measured using a standard enzymatic recycling procedure. Free amino acid concentrations in gastrocnemius were determined by ion exchange chromatography. Phosphorylated protein levels of ERK1/2 in quadriceps were examined using Western Blot. l-Gln decreased GSSG and GSSG/GSH (an indicator of oxidative stress). This was associated with decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Muscle free Gln, glutamate (Glu), and the sum (Gln + Glu) were higher in mdx versus C57BL/10, at the basal level. Exogenous Gln decreased muscle free Glu and Gln + Glu in mdx only, whereas Gln was not affected. In conclusion, exogenous Gln reduces GSSG/GSH and ERK1/2 activation in dystrophic skeletal muscle of young mdx mice, which is associated with decreased muscle free Glu and Gln + Glu. This antioxidant protective mechanism provides a molecular basis for Gln's antiproteolytic effect in Duchenne muscular dystrophy children.