Muscle carnosine in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Abstract

BackgroundMuscle carnosine is related to contractile function (Ca++ handling) and buffering of exercise–induced acidosis. As these muscular functions are altered in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) it is relevant to understand muscle carnosine levels in MS. MethodsTibialis anterior muscle carnosine was measured in an animal MS model (EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, n = 40) and controls (CON, n = 40) before and after exercise training (EAEEX, CONEX, 10d, 1 h/d, 24 m/min treadmill running) or sedentary conditions (EAESED, CONSED). Human m. vastus lateralis carnosine of healthy controls (HC, n = 22) and MS patients (n = 24) was measured. ResultsEAE muscle carnosine levels were decreased (p < .0001) by ~ 40% to ~ 64% at 10d and 17d following EAE induction (respectively) regardless of exercise (p = .823). Similarly, human MS muscle carnosine levels were decreased (− 25%, p = .03). ConclusionMuscle carnosine concentrations in an animal MS model and MS patients are substantially reduced. In EAE exercise therapy does not restore this.