Blood hydrogen ion and lactate concentrations during strenuous exercise in the horse

Abstract

SummaryExceptional findings in horses, such as metabolic alkalosis during exercise and an apparent absence of a distinct lactate threshold, led us to apply Stewart's acid‐base system and to develop a new statistical model for investigating lactate threshold. The lactate threshold was clearly demonstrated by an incremental exercise test using up to 14 steps. Lactate threshold was increased by training and by fat adaptation (prolonged interval training and a 10% corn oil diet). Fat adaptation appears to facilitate the metabolic regulation of glycolysis, sparing glucose and glycogen at work of low intensity, but promoting lactate production when power is needed for high intensity exercise. The blood lactate response to exercise was enhanced by fat adaptation and by oral supplementation of sodium bicarbonate. The synergistic effect of the combination suggested that inclusion of fat may enhance the advantage of a diet with a high cation‐anion balance. The lower CO2 production of fat‐adapted horses could be of benefit under hot and humid conditions, especially in horses with reduced pulmonary function.During repeated sprints, central venous [H+] increased (acidosis) but arterial [H+] decreased (alkalosis). These changes were consistent with concurrent changes in venous and arterial PCO2 but not [SID]. Arterial PO2 remained constant. These findings suggest that increasing ventilation to maintain arterial PO2 incidentally reduced PCO2, hence arterial [H+]. In terms of homeostatic priorities, regulation of respiration took precedence over regulation of acid‐base status.