Some effects of prolonged starvation on the metabolism of the red and white myotomal muscles of the plaice Pleuronectes platessa

The effect of starvation on glycogen, lipid, water content and muscle proteins of red and white muscles in the plaice Pleuronectes platessa L. has been investigated. The two muscle systems behave differently in their response to food shortage, glycogen and protein depletion being more marked in the white muscle. Little change occurred in the constituents of the red muscle, except lipid. Starvation resulted in an increase in water content in the white, but not in the red muscle. The differential response of these two musole systems to starvation is discussed. It is suggested that the small amount of red muscle in the body is spared from the effects of starvation because it is needed for continuous activity during swimming at all speeds.