Abstract
Between 5% and 10% of endurance athletes break down each year with unexplained underperformance syndrome (UPS). The possibility of a link between the neurotransmitter 5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and exercise induced fatigue was first suggested in 1983 by Newsholme and Leach. PURPOSE The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that prolactin release is increased in response to the 5-HT releasing agent m-chlorophenylpiperazine (M-CPP) in athletes suffering from UPS compared to non fatigued athletes. METHODS 19 Olympic athletes with UPS were recruited over one year and 12 athletes were recruited as controls. RESULTS Prolactin concentration (μM) (+/−SEM) Time after (or before) administration of M-CPP 30mins pre: Controls 128(12), UPS 198(21)(p < 0.01) 0mins: Controls 137(27), UPS 180(20) NS 120mins: Controls 202(28), UPS 300(42) (p < 0.001) 150mins: Controls 236(28), UPS 325(48) (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION THis study showed an increased sensitivity of 5-HT receptors in athletes with UPS compared to controls. This combined with the increase in 5-HT levels during prolonged endurance exercise might explain many of the symptoms seen in UPS. It does not explain increased vulnerability to infection and peripheral changes which are probably also important.
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