EFFECT OF STEROIDS ON MUSCLE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Myopathy was induced in dogs with large doses of anti-inflammatory steroids (cortisol, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone). Weight loss and muscle atrophy occurred in all groups except the control group but was most pronounced in the triamcinolone-treated dogs. There was a marked difference between the treated groups in decrease of muscle size (occurring the least with cortisol) and also in fiber thickness of muscle tissue (changing the least methylprednisolone and diminishing the most triamcinolone). The diagnosis of steroid myopathy could be made by clinical observation, electromyography and biopsy. The only specific histological change detectable was the diminished size of muscle fiber. Further investigation is necessary to understand the pathogenesis and to explain the peculiar localization of the myopathy.