Serum myoglobulin levels in neuromuscular diseases

Myoglobin serum levels have been measured in 130 patients with various neuromuscular diseases whose development is related to the denervational process secondary to damage to motoneurons and their axons as well as in patients with impaired neuromuscular transmission. Interest in myoglobin is explained by the fact that hypermyoglobinemia reflects either destruction or impairment of the penetrability of the membranes of muscle fibers. The data obtained indicate that the degree of myoglobinemia is correlated with the course of the process rather than with the severity of motor disturbances. There is a distinct correlation between the level of myoglobinemia and impairment of the trophic function of motor neuron axons in neuronal and axonal lesions.