The biochemical effects of clenbuterol: with particular reference to taurine and muscle damage

Administration of clenbuterol to rats in the drinking water over a 4 day period increased incorporation of [³H]leucine into muscle protein and caused a slight reduction in urinary 3-methylhistidine but did not result in an increase in body or muscle weight. However, both urinary and liver taurine were significantly reduced at the highest dose of clenbuterol (2 mg · kg⁻¹ · day⁻¹). Serum creatine kinase, muscle isoenzyme (CK-MM) was raised and single muscle fibre injury was observed in the soleus muscle in animals treated with the middle dose (0.2 mg · kg⁻¹ · day⁻¹) and highest dose (2 mg · kg⁻¹ · day⁻¹). The reduction in the body pool of taurine caused by clenbuterol is of concern as taurine has been shown to have protective properties.