TNFα increases resting potential in isolated fibres from rat peroneus longus by a PKC mediated mechanism: Involvement in ICU acquired polyneuromyopathy

► TNFα significantly increased resting potential of rat skeletal muscle fibres. ► This effect is rapid and mediated by protein kinase C as it is blocked by chelerythrin, a PKC inhibitor. ► It appears to be related to the phosphorylation of the sodium pump (Na/K ATPase). ► It could be involved in the hypoexcitability observed in the early phase of critical illness polyneuromyopathy.