Abnormalities in pH handling by peripheral muscle and potential regulation by the autonomic nervous system in chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract. Jones DEJ, Hollingsworth KG, Taylor R, Blamire AM, Newton JL (From the Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, and Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, UK). Abnormalities in pH handling by peripheral muscle and potential regulation by the autonomic nervous system in chronic fatigue syndrome. J Intern Med 2010; 267 : 394–401. Objectives. To examine muscle acid handling following exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and the relationship with autonomic dysfunction. Design. Observational study. Setting. Regional fatigue service. Subjects P < 0.01). In CFS patients, in contrast, this significant normal relationship was lost ( r 2 = 0.003; P = ns). In normal individuals, the maximum proton efflux following exercise were closely correlated with total heart rate variability ( r 2 = 0.7; P = 0.007) this relationship was lost in CFS/ME patients ( r 2 < 0.001; P = ns). Conclusion. Patients with CFS/ME have abnormalities in recovery of intramuscular pH following standardised exercise degree of which is related to autonomic dysfunction. This study identifies a novel biological abnormality in patients with CFS/ME which is potentially open to modification.