Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition reduces skeletal muscle atrophy

Several GTP-binding protein (G-protein)- coupled receptors that signal through Gas (GTP-binding protein a stimulatory) and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP) pathway increase skeletal muscle mass. In order to further evaluate the role of the CAMP pathway in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass, we utilized inhibitors of phosphodiester ase 4 (PDE 4), the major cAMP-modifying PDE found in skeletal muscle, to modulate skeletal muscle cAMP levels. We found that PDE 4 inhibitors reduced the loss of muscle mass and force resulting from denervation and casting in rats and mice. These studies indicate that PDE 4 inhibitors may have a role in the treatment of skeletal muscle-wasting diseases.