MUSCLE ENERGY-METABOLISM IN FEMALE DMD BMD CARRIERS - A P-31-MR SPECTROSCOPY STUDY

P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (P-31-MRS) was used to investigate the energy metabolism of the gastrocnemius muscle in 16 DMD/BMD female carriers. No significant difference was found with the controls in the resting muscle, while all carriers showed a decreased ability to perform work, and a higher Pi/PCr ratio for comparable relative levels of steady-state work. The rate of postexercise recovery of PCr/Pi ratio was lower in all carriers. The decreased rate of PCr/Pi recovery appears to be mainly due to a decreased rate of Pi recovery. Our findings show abnormal muscle energy metabolism in DMD/BMD female carriers.