Improved Tetanic Force and Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis by Astaxanthin Treatment in Mouse Skeletal Muscle

Background: Astaxanthin (AX) a marine carotenoid is a powerful natural antioxidant which protects against oxidative stress and improves muscle performance. Retinol and its derivatives were described to affect lipid and energy metabolism. Up to date, the effects of AX and retinol on excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in skeletal muscle are poorly described. Methods: 18 C57Bl6 mice were divided into two groups: Control and AX supplemented in rodent chow for 4 weeks (AstaReal A1010). In vivo and in vitro force and intracellular calcium homeostasis was studied. In some experiments acute treatment with retinol was employed. Results: The voltage activation of calcium transients (V(50)) were investigated in single flexor digitorum brevis isolated fibers under patch clamp and no significant changes were found following AX supplementation. Retinol shifted V(50) towards more positive values and decreased the peak F/F(0) of the calcium transients. The amplitude of tetani in the extensor digitorum longus was significantly higher in AX than in control group. Lastly, the mitochondrial calcium uptake was found to be less prominent in AX. Conclusion: AX supplementation increases in vitro tetanic force without affecting ECC and exerts a protecting effect on the mitochondria. Retinol treatment has an inhibitory effect on ECC in skeletal muscle.