The effects of digoxin on resting membrane potentials of skeletal muscles in dystrophic mice.

To clarify the abnormality of skeletal muscles in dystrophic mice, we studied the potassium content, resting membrane potential and especially the effects of digoxin on the membrane potential. Both the potassium content and the resting membrane potential of dystrophic muscles were significantly lower than those of normal mice. The resting membrane potential of dystrophic muscles was less reduced by digoxin than that of normal mice. It was suggested that there was a change in membrane permeability of skeletal muscles in dystrophic mice and that membrane permeability was less sensitive to digoxin than normal mice.