Studies on Phosphorus Metabolism in Dystrophic Chicks

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Abstract
Results are presented which show: (1) that the total muscle phosphorus content is greater in dystrophic chicks than in normal controls; (2) that the increase in total phosphorus is due largely to a specific increase in the inorganic phosphorus fraction in dystrophic muscles; (3) that the 7-minute hydrolyzable phosphorus (representing ATP and others) was significantly decreased, as was the bariumsoluble phosphorus (representing creatine phosphate and others) in the dystrophic as compared with nondystrophic muscles. Isotope studies showed increased penetration rates of phosphorus, potassium and cesium in the muscles of dystrophic versus nondystrophic chicks. An increased turnover of potassium also was shown to occur in the dystrophic muscles. These results indicate that the increased incorporation of phosphorus into dystrophic muscles may be due to a general increase in permeability of these muscles rather than a specific increase in phosphorus turnover. The results showing a decrease in such compounds as ATP and creatine phosphate in the dystrophic muscles which showed, at the same time, an increase in uptake of total phosphorus, indicate that phosphorus metabolism may be specifically affected during dystrophy in the chick.