How muscle glycogen is used
Case 2:
A 16-year-old female is recently diagnosed with a deficiency of muscle glycogen
phosphorylase. She and her family are concerned and ask the following questions.
Based on what you know about skeletal muscle glycogenolysis and muscle metabolism,
please respond to each question with a thoughtful answer that describes the
metabolism in these various scenarios in language that your patient will understand,
while also being sure to include the role of the relevant metabolic pathways, specific
enzymes, and stimulus for their activity:
1. I’m not sure I understand the issue. Can you explain how muscle glycogen is used
normally during exercise?
2. I really like to take long walks; will Istill be able to do this with my friends?
3. As a result of this deficiency, will I need to get up at night to eat to maintain my blood
glucose levels?
4. Do I need to worry about producing excessive lactate during intense anaerobic
exercise?