Regulation of synthesis of fibrillar collagens in rat skeletal muscle during immobilization in shortened and lengthened positions

Immobilization has been shown to cause muscle atrophy and decreased total collagen synthesis in skeletal muscle. These changes can be counteracted by stretch. The purpose of this study was to find out the early effects of immobilization in shortened end lengthened positions on expression of type I and III collagen at pre- and post-translational level. The mRNA levels of type I and III collagen, prolyl 4-hydroxylase activity, total collagen concentration and the proportions of type I and III collagens were analysed in soleus (SOL), gastrocnemius (GM), extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles during immobilization in shortened and lengthened positions for 1, 3 and 7 days. The mRNA levels for type I and III collagens decreased during 3-7 days in all muscles, except TA. In shortened GM and SOL, the mRNA level of type I collagen was lower than in the corresponding lengthened muscles. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase activity decreased in all muscles during 3-7 days. The activity in shortened GM was 30-37% lower than in the lengthened one during 3-7 days. Total collagen concentration and proportions of type I and III collagen showed no change during the 7-day immobilization period. The present study suggests that immobilization results in rapid down-regulation of total muscular collagen synthesis and that the timing and degree is roughly similar in type I and III collagens. Stretch seems to partially counteract these effects. Immobilization effect and the partially preventive effect of stretch on down-regulation of gene expression of prolyl 4-hydroxylase and fibrillar collagens during immobilization seems to be greater in weight-bearing SOL and GM than ankle joint dorsiflexors.