Orotic acid prevents changes in cardiac sarcolemmal glycoproteins and contractility associated with muscular dystrophy in hamsters

Summary Orotic acid included in the diet of cardiomyopathic hamsters during the myolytic phase of the disease (30–60 days of age) prevented the reduction in cardiac sarcolemmal sialic acid, calcium binding, sialyltransferase activity and contractile activity associated with the cardiomyopathy.This work was supported by research grants from the MRC of Canada, the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada and the Nova Scotia Heart Foundation. I thank Dr Peter E. Dresel for his encouragement and Ms Jane Benjamin and Mr Steven Couban for their technical assistance.