TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF HEXOKINASE-II IN DENERVATED RAT SKELETAL-MUSCLE

Hexokinase II protein is augmented in denervated skeletal muscle; ther efore, we determined if hexokinase II gene transcription rates and mRN A levels are increased with denervation. The right hindlimb skeletal m uscles of male rats were denervated while the left hindlimbs were sham operated, Seventy-two h following surgery, rats were sacrificed and t he gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were harvested for nuclear and RNA isolation, Nuclear run-on and ribonuclease protection analyses indica ted th:lt denervation increased hexokinase II transcription rates and mRNA levels 42% and 88%, respectively (p<0.05). Total hexokinase activ ity rose 23% in denervated gastrocnemius muscle, In conclusion, the in crease in hexokinase II gene transcription and mRNA may account for th e increase in hexokinase II protein and the subsequent rise in total h exokinase activity in denervated rat skeletal muscle. (C) 1997 Academi c Press.