Coupled diminished energy turnover and phosphorylase a formation in contracting hypothyroid rat muscle.

Hypothyroidism leads to a diminished phosphorylase a formation and a reduction in both glycogen breakdown and lactate production during tetanic stimulation of fast-twitch skeletal muscle (mixed type). Phosphorylase kinase activity is almost 50% lower in the hypothyroid (Tx) group, and the possibility that this might explain the reduction in phosphorylase a formation is discussed. In both the Tx group and the euthyroid (C) group the reconversion of phosphorylase a to b correlates well with a decrease in the energy cost for contraction.