The Role of Potassium Ion in Muscle Glycogenolysis and Glycolysis.

摘要

Ineffective energy metabolism has been documented as an etiologic factor in exertional rhabdomyolysis. The importance of potassium ion as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions necessary for normal energy metabolism has been well established. Since rhabdomyolysis has been associated with potassium deficiency in a variety of clinical situations, investigators have suggested that the mechanism of rhabdomyolysis in potassium-deficient states may be a functional impairment of enzymes necessary for adequate energy metabolism. Two important pathways for muscle energy production are glycogenolysis and glycolysis. Canine muscle homogenate was used in an in vitro system to study the effects of potassium deficiency on anaerobic production of lactate from glycogen. Evidence is presented that in this in vitro system glycogenolysis and glycolysis function normally at potassium levels far below those observed in muscle cell water of severely potassium deficient dogs. We suggest that a functional impairment of glycogenolysis of glycolysis is unlikely to be a mechanism by which potassium deficiency leads to rhabdomyolysis. (Author)