Biomaterial Database

Emetine myopathy: two case reports with pathobiochemical analysis. 1984

H Sugie, and R Russin, and M A Verity

We report two female patients with a history of alcohol abuse presenting with proximal painful muscle weakness following aversion therapy with emetine hydrochloride. Muscle biopsy of Case 1 showed a reversible floccular-shaped loss of myosin ATPase and dehydrogenase, an accumulation of PAS positive material, and a normal lipid content. Repeat biopsy showed core change with no focal loss of myosin ATPase. In Case 2, muscle biopsy was taken 1 month after commencement of emetine therapy and revealed similar but milder changes to Case 1. Electron microscopy revealed Z-band streaming with a decrease or loss of mitochondria. Sarcotubular systems appeared normal in shape and size. Anaerobic glycolysis on homogenate from the initial biopsy of Case 1 showed generalized reduction of lactate formation, which returned to normal in the repeat biopsy.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008854	Microscopy, Electron	Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen.	Electron Microscopy
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D009132	Muscles	Contractile tissue that produces movement in animals.	Muscle Tissue,Muscle,Muscle Tissues,Tissue, Muscle,Tissues, Muscle
D009135	Muscular Diseases	Acquired, familial, and congenital disorders of SKELETAL MUSCLE and SMOOTH MUSCLE.	Muscle Disorders,Myopathies,Myopathic Conditions,Muscle Disorder,Muscular Disease,Myopathic Condition,Myopathy
D004640	Emetine	The principal alkaloid of ipecac, from the ground roots of Uragoga (or Cephaelis) ipecacuanha or U. acuminata, of the Rubiaceae. It is used as an amebicide in many different preparations and may cause serious cardiac, hepatic, or renal damage and violent diarrhea and vomiting. Emetine inhibits protein synthesis in EUKARYOTIC CELLS but not PROKARYOTIC CELLS.	Ipecine,Methylcephaeline,Emetine Dihydrochloride,Emetine Hydrochloride,Dihydrochloride, Emetine,Hydrochloride, Emetine
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000427	Alcohol Deterrents	Substances interfering with the metabolism of ethyl alcohol, causing unpleasant side effects thought to discourage the drinking of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol deterrents are used in the treatment of alcoholism.	Deterrents, Alcohol