Chronic periodic fluid redistribution effect on muscle calcium in healthy subjects during prolonged hypokinesia.

Studies have shown that chronic periodic fluid shifting upwards is not sensed as excessive fluid volume and excretion mechanisms are not activated. To determine if chronic periodic fluid and volume shifting upwards can affect muscle calcium (Ca(2+)) during hypokinesia (HK) we measured muscle Ca(2+) content, plasma Ca(2+) concentration, and Ca(2+) losses in urine and feces. Studies were conducted on 40 healthy male volunteers. They were divided into four equal groups: active control subjects (ACS), hypokinetic subjects (HKS), periodic fluid redistribution control subjects (PFRCS), and periodic fluid redistribution hypokinetic subjects (PFRHS). Plasma Ca(2+) level decreased (p < 0.05) in Ca(2+) repleted muscle, muscle Ca(2+) level increased (p < 0.05), and Ca(2+) losses in urine and feces decreased (p < 0.05) in the PFRHS group compared with the HKS group. Plasma Ca(2+) level increased (p < 0.05) in Ca(2+) deficient muscle, muscle Ca(2+) level decreased (p < 0.05), and Ca(2+) losses in urine and feces increased (p < 0.05) in the HKS group compared with their pre-experimental levels and the values in their respective control groups (ACS and PFRCS). This study shows that the muscle Ca(2+) content increases and Ca(2+) excretion decreases, suggesting the clinical potential of chronic periodic fluid and volume redistribution in treatment of muscle Ca(2+) deficiency.