EFFECT OF ACETYL-L-CARNITINE ON LIPID-PEROXIDATION AND XANTHINE-OXIDASE ACTIVITY IN RAT SKELETAL-MUSCLE

It has been reported that acetyl-L-carnitine (AcCn) can reduce the deg enerative processes in the central nervous system of rats, modify the fluidity of membranes and decrease the accumulation of lipofuscins in neurones. In light of these considerations we have assayed the in vitr o effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on spontaneous and induced lipoperoxida tion in rat skeletal muscle; in addition, the effect of AcCn on XD/XO ratio was evaluated. The presence of AcCn (10-40 mM) in incubation med ium significantly reduced MDA and conjugated diene formation in rat sk eletal muscle; moreover, a significant decrease in induced MDA levels was observed when microsomal preparation where incubated in the presen ce of 10-40 mM AcCn. Since a significant reduction of XO activity was detected in the presence of 10-80 mM AcCn, the reduced lipid peroxidat ion by AcCn seems to be due to an inhibition of XO activity.