Basal Energy Utilization in Mammalian Skeletal Muscle ∗

Abstract

Summary

The “basal” rate of energy utilization, as measured by PC disappearance, in mouse anterior tibial muscles exposed to a N₂-IAA environment is about 0.25 μM/gm per min or 2.5 mcal/gm per min. This rate, as expected, is greater than the “basal” value for amphibian skeletal muscle and less than the “basal” value for mammalian cardiac muscle. By making certain assumptions about active ion transport and by using certain data from other investigators, the conclusion is reached that mammalian skeletal muscle sustains itself with a restricted energy supply much less well than amphibian skeletal muscle.