EFFECTS OF L- CARNITINE
ON SKELETAL MUSCLE OF RABBIT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2015.22.08.1145Keywords:
L-carnitine, rabbit, lactic acid, lactate, skeletal muscle, soleus muscle, skeletal muscle fatigueAbstract
L-carnitine (L-car) is a trimethylated amino acid required for the transformation of
long chain free fatty acids into acylcarnitine and their subsequent transport into the mitochondrial
matrix. It enhances the fatty acid oxidation for energy thus delaying the skeletal muscle fatigue.
Objectives: Objectives of this study were to determine effect of L-carnitine supplementation on
skeletal muscle lactate after fatigue, to observe effect of L-carnitine supplementation on force
of contraction in skeletal muscle and to estimate the time to onset of fatigue after L-carnitine
supplementation. Animals & treatment: In control group, the rabbit sedated and soleus
muscle was excised, Homogenized and centrifuged. Supernatant collected, was mixed with
reagents of lactate test kit. Absorbance of light was read with the help of spectrophotometer
and readings were noted. In experimental group, L-carnitine was given in a dose of 80mg / kg.
The period of administration was two weeks. Soleus muscle was excised after giving the last
dose of L-carnitine.Lactate level was measured by using lactate test kit (Randox®). Readings for
lactate measurement were noted after fatigue in both groups. Results: Statistically significant
results (p <0.05) were found in all three variables. Data was analyzed by applying “t” test in IBM
SPSS Statistics - 20 soft ware. Conclusion: L -carnitine delays the onset of fatigue of skeletal
muscle. This was the stated alternative hypothesis.
