Melatonin attenuates chronic immobilization stress-induced muscle atrophy in rats: Influence on lactate-to-pyruvate ratios and Na+/K+ ATPase activity

Abstract This study assessed the protective effect of melatonin against muscle atrophy provoked by chronic immobilization stress (CIS). CIS was induced in rats by limiting their trunk movement for 90 min daily for 6 weeks. Rats subjected to the CIS procedure demonstrated a substantial decrease in body weight, an increase in serum corticosterone, muscle atrophy, and an increase in atrogin-1 mRNA levels. An increase in the serum lactate-to-pyruvate ratio and the oxidative stress accompanied by a reduction of Na + /K + ATPase activity could be responsible for these changes. Melatonin efficiently attenuated CIS-induced deleterious effects on the muscle by reducing corticosterone levels, the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, and oxidative stress, thereby improving Na + /K + ATPase activity and muscle condition. We conclude that melatonin can contribute to the prevention of CIS-induced muscle atrophy via its anti-stress, anti-oxidant properties and its effect on Na + /K + ATPase activity.