Effect of intracellular pH on force development depends on temperature in intact skeletal muscle from mouse

Muscle fatigue is characterized by a reduction in force and shortening velocity due to intracellular acidosis. To determine whether a relationship does exist between pH and force, 31P-NMR experiments were performed at different temperatures on intact skeletal muscle from mouse. The results revealed inhibition of tetanic force in hypercapnia (25% carbon dioxide) at the temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees Centigrade. Temperature-dependent inhibition of force was greater at lower temperatures, suggesting that temperature rather than pH influences muscle force development.