Role of myoglobin in regulating respiration during muscle contraction

Abstract

Oxygen (O₂) transport from air to mitochondria depends on both the mechanisms of convection and diffusion. In the final step of the O₂ cascade, from the capillary to myocyte, O₂ is transported into cells via diffusion according to the potential differences in PO₂ across plasma membranes. Myoglobin (Mb), an important cellular O₂ binding protein that is expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, has been known as an O₂ store or O₂ transporter for more than half a century. However during the last decade, Mb functions have been re-assessed as a result of further knowledge gained from Mb-deficient mice that suggest other functions beyond its function as an O₂ store. At first glance, Mb-deficient mice do not show any superficial physiological deficits. However, homeostatic mechanisms, including increased capillary density that tends to steepen the PO₂ gradient to the mitochondria, effectively shorten the diffusion path for O₂. Recent research demonstrated that Mb is releasing its binding O₂ at onset of muscle contraction to manipulate intracellular O₂ content. The O₂ gradient Mb substantially contributes to nitric oxide homeostasis, and could interact with substrates such as fatty acid. This recent experimental evidence will help us to refine our understanding of Mb physiological function and establish a basis for further research.