OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of IGF-1 treatment on the morphological and metabolic profile of the soleus muscle submitted to ankle joint immobilization. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 6): control (C), immobilized (I) and immobilized treated with IGF (I + IGF; 40mg/kg) for 7 days. RESULTS: Immobilization led to a reduction in the weight (34%), glycogen content (31.6%) and area of muscle fibers (44%), and increased the density of connective tissue (216%). Also, the IGF-1 increased the glycogen by 234.6% compared to I, minimized the area of muscle fibers by 33.7% and increased the connective tissue by 76% compared to C (p <0, 05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with IGF has an anti-catabolic action, which can promote faster recovery in the post-immobilization phase. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Insulin-like growth factor I; Immobilization; Glycogen; muscle; Skeletal
