Induction of insulin-like growth factor i messenger ribonucleic acid during regeneration of rat skeletal muscle

Abstract

Expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) was studied in regenerating skeletal muscle. Irreversible damage to muscle cells was induced in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of adult rats by ischemia, preceded by glycogen depletion. IGF-I mRNA levels during the regeneration process were studied for periods up to 10 days after injury using a solution hybridization assay. Increased IGF-I mRNA levels could be demonstrated within 24 h after injury; maximum levels were achieved in 3 days and decreased to approximately normal levels by 10 days. Changes in IGF-I mRNA levels could not be seen in undamaged contralateral extensor digitorum longus muscles during the experimental period. An increase in IGF-I mRNA was also evident in injured muscles of hypophysectomized animals. In situ hybridization at the time of maximum induction showed the presence of IGF-I mRNA in proliferating myoblasts and in satellite cells. IGF-I, thus, may act as a locally produced non-GH dependent trophic factor during regeneration of skeletal muscle after injury. © 1989 by The Endocrine Society.