Effect of caffeine on intrinsic mechanical properties of normal and malignant hyperthermia-susceptible muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially lethal anesthesic complication. Pathological symptoms develop after exposure to triggering substances. It remains uncertain whether cellular alterations pre-exist. Mechanical properties of isolated muscle bundles were examined before and after exposure to a triggering substance.

METHODS: With prior written consent, muscle bundles of 12 MH-susceptible (MHS) and 56 MH-nonsusceptible (MHN) individuals were examined before and after exposure to incremental doses of caffeine. Mechanical properties (baseline tension, peak tension, time to peak tension, and relaxation time) were measured. Contraction and relaxation derivatives and contraction-relaxation coupling were calculated and analyzed.

RESULTS: Mechanical properties were not different between the groups before caffeine application. Caffeine increased peak tension in both groups and baseline tension only in MHS muscle bundles; relaxation time/derivative and contraction-relaxation coupling were prolonged.

CONCLUSIONS: Cellular changes seen in MH are not pre-existing. Exposure to triggering substance impairs relaxation in MHS muscle.