Coordinated fast-to-slow transitions of myosin and SERCA isoforms in chronically stimulated muscles of euthyroid and hyperthyroid rabbits

Changes in the patterns of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, isomyosins, and Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) isoforms were studied in long-term (72 d) stimulated fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of euthyroid and hyperthyroid rabbits. The chronic low-frequency stimulation-induced fast-to-slow transitions in MHC isoforms, isomyosins and SERCA isoforms were pronounced in muscles from euthyroid rabbits, but less pronounced in muscles from hyperthyroid rabbits. Thus, hyperthyroidism counteracted to some extent the stimulation-induced fast-to-slow transition. Analyses of all parameters were performed on the same individual muscles, providing information on the co-ordinated expression of SERCA and myosin isoforms. A high correlation (r = 0.97) was detected between relative concentrations of slow SERCA2a and slow MHCI isoforms. This correlation persisted under all experimental conditions, suggesting a co-ordinated expression of slow myosin and Ca2+-ATPase isoforms. Conversely, fast SERCA1a was correlated to fast myosin isoforms as a whole.