Ryanodine and theophylline-induced depletion of energy stores in amphibian muscle.

The effects of high and low levels of ryanodine on theophylline-induced energy depletion were studied in isolated frog sartorius muscle. Whereas low concentrations of ryanodine (1-10 microM) did not change high energy phosphate contents (PE) after 60 min, high levels (100 microM) reduced resting energy contents by 60% after 60 min. Subcontracture levels of theophylline (2 mM), in the presence of high ryanodine, produced an 80% PE depletion, suggesting possible additive or synergistic effects of these two agents. In contrast to theophylline-induced depletion, neither the ryanodine-induced depletion nor the theophylline-plus-ryanodine-induced depletion of PE seemed sensitive to inhibition by 1 mM procaine. This suggests that there may be differences in the mechanisms whereby methylxanthines and ryanodine deplete energy stores and evoke contractures in amphibian skeletal muscle.