Myoglobin
Myoglobin is a protein in muscle incorporating a haem group like haemoglobin. It binds oxygen and facilitates its delivery to the site of oxidative metabolism in the muscle cell under the conditions of low oxygen tension that prevail in working skeletal muscle. Damage to muscle will result in its release into the blood and thence into the urine.
Measurement of myoglobin may be used in the investigation of suspected rhabdomyolysis (skeletal muscle injury with release of cell contents). For the causes of rhabdomyolysis, see the information sheet. Rhabdomyolysis is important since it can cause acute renal failure.
Definitions regarding myopathy (disease of muscle)
Myalgia – muscle aches / weakness, CK = normal
Myositis – Muscle symptoms, CK = increased Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle symptoms, CK = increased ++
The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis may be made by measuring those substances which may be released when muscle cells are damaged eg
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