Sarcolemmal membrane changes related to enzyme release in the imipramine/serotonin experimental animal model.

We report specific findings in the imipramine/serotonin animal model that are consistent with sarcolemmal membrane alterations. Among these findings are cytoplasmic enzyme release, diminished uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyrate (an amino acid analog), decreased oxygen consumption in isolated rat diaphragm, and ribosuria. Furthermore, we describe for the first time the release of the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase from a source other than cardiac tissue; that is, isolated diaphragms from imipramine/serotonin-treated animals release increased amounts of MB isoenzyme as compared to diaphragms from control animals. We believe the similarities between this animal model and the human disease (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) support a genetically determined generalized membrane abnormality in the pathogenesis of this form of muscular dystrophy.