Respiratory muscle function and free radicals: from cell to COPD

Invited Review: redox modulation of skeletal muscle contraction: what we know and what we don't

Over the past decade, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) derivatives have been established as physiological modulators of skeletal muscle function. This mini-review addresses the roles of these molecules as endogenous regulators of muscle contraction. The article is organized in two parts. First, established concepts are briefly outlined. This section provides an overview of ROS production by muscle, antioxidant buffers that oppose ROS effects, enzymatic synthesis of NO in muscle, the effects of endogenous ROS on contractile function, and NO as a contractile modulator. Second, a selected group of unresolved topics are highlighted. These more controversial issues include putative source(s) of regulatory ROS, the relative importance of the two NO synthase isoforms constitutively coexpressed by muscle fibers, molecular mechanisms of ROS and NO action, and the physiological relevance of redox regulation. By discussing current questions, as well as the established paradigm, this article is intended to further debate and stimulate research in this area.