Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Spirulina maxima as the sole dietary source of protein on muscle protein and body growth of rats recovering from protein malnutrition. Young (30 days) male Wistar rats were randomly separated into 5 groups: (I) Casein 17% (C17; 30 to 150 days of age); (II) Spirulina 17% (S17; 30 to 150 days); (III) Casein 6% (C6; 30 to 150 days); (IV) Casein 6% (30 to 90 days) and Spirulina 17% (91 to 150 days) (C6/S17) and V- Casein 6% (30 to 90 days) and Casein 17% (91 to 150 days) (C6/C17). Muscle total protein and DNA contents as well as the protein synthesis and degradation rates were investigated to infer on muscle growth and on muscle protein, respectively. The protein malnourished group (C6) presented lower total protein and DNA contents in the soleus muscle if compared to other groups. The nutritional recovery, using both diets, re-established these parameters. Spirulina and casein diets reduced the protein degradation and increased the protein synthesis in the soleus muscle of the previously malnourished rats. Spirulina proved to be an adequate protein source for recovery of body weight and muscle protein of protein malnourished rats.

Key words: Muscle protein, Spirulina, rats, protein malnutrition.