Reperfusion Damage to Muscle

The myopathy associated with chronic alcohol abuse has also been associated with increased free-radical activity (Martin and Peters, 1985) as have various other toxicity syndromes affecting muscle, such as cocaine toxity (Kloss et al., 1983). Little work appears to have been undertaken on the possible role of free radicals in the inflammatory myopathies, although, by analogy with other inflammatory disorders, this is likely to be an area worthy of further study. 

In conclusion, it is apparent that the lack of definitive methods for assessment of free radicals in muscle and other tissues inhibits clear conclusions to be drawn concerning the relevance (or lack of relevance) of these substances in muscle pathology. In particular, the relevance of free radicals to the deficits in muscle function (fatigue and damage), which occur with exercise, is still unclear despite extensive study. This and other areas require much further examination. 

Aldrich, T.K. (1988). Respiratory muscle fetigue. Clin. Chest. Med. 9, 225-236. 

Alessio, H.M. and Goldfarb, A.H. (1988). Lipid peroxidation and scavenger enzymes during exercise adaptive response to training. J. Appi. Physiol. 64, 1333-1336. 

Amelink, G.J. (1990). Exercise induced muscle damage. Ph.D. thesis, University of Utrecht. 

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