Elevated Oxygen Uptake Research Articles

Strength versus endurance trained master athletes: Contrasting neurophysiological adaptations

Neural factors play a critical role in the age-related decline in maximal strength and rate of force development (RFD). However, it is uncertain how the age-related attenuation in neuromuscular function may be mitigated in strength or endurance trained master athletes. In this study we applied evoked spinal motoneuron recordings to examine descending motor drive, i.e., efferent drive from supraspinal and spinal centres during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC; V-wave) and H-reflex excitability measured at 10 % MVC in older (>65 yrs) and younger (<35 yrs) strength athletes (n = 21), endurance athletes (n = 17) and untrained control participants (n = 30). Both strength (b = 0.09 [0.01–0.18], p = 0.038) and endurance training (b = 0.14 [0.04–0.23], p = 0.006) were associated with a high V-wave amplitude. This was likely explained by an elevated H-reflex excitability (b = 0.23 [0.11–0.35], p < 0.001) in endurance trained participants, which failed to be seen in strength trained participants. These contrasting neurophysiological properties were accompanied by different physiological traits; strength training was associated with high maximal strength (b = 107.5 [84.6 to 130.4] kg, p < 0.001) and RFD (b = 3171 [2248 to 4094] N‧s−1, p < 0.001), whereas endurance training was associated with elevated maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max; b = 13.6 [8.0–19.2] ml‧kg−1‧min−1, p < 0.001). This pattern was apparent irrespective of age, although all traits were negatively associated with advanced age (p < 0.05). In conclusion, strength trained individuals demonstrate higher descending motor drive (elevated V-wave responses), compared to age-matched untrained individuals. Endurance trained individuals also showed elevated V-wave responses, uniquely accompanied by enhanced α-motoneuron excitability and/or reduced pre/postsynaptic inhibition (elevated H-reflex responses). Since a high descending motor drive is a key component of strong muscle contractions, strength training should be emphasized to sustain the ability to carry out force-dependent tasks at older age.

Five repeated maximal efforts of apneas increase the time to exhaustion in subsequent high-intensity exercise

Ten subjects were tested on a cycle ergometer to exhaustion with intensity corresponding to 150 % of their peak power output (TF150) under three conditions [C: base line measurement; PRE: after five repeated breath hold maneuvers (BH); and POST: after 5BH, preceded by two weeks of BH training]. Respiratory and blood measurements were carried out. Upon cessation of 5BH, subjects compared to C condition started TF150 with reduced arterialized blood pH (C:7.428±0.023, PRE:7.419±0.016, POST:7.398±0.021) and elevated bicarbonate concentration (mmol/l), ventilation (l/min) and oxygen uptake (ml/min) (C:28.4±1.5, PRE:29.9±1.2, POST:30.0±1.8; C:10.4±2.5, PRE:13.3±3.3, POST:15.6±5.6; C:333.0±113.8, PRE:550.1±131.1, POST:585.1±192.8, respectively). After TF150, subjects had significantly reduced pH and elevated ventilation, and oxygen uptake in PRE and POST, in comparison to the C condition. TF150 (sec) significantly improved after 5BH without being further affected by BH training (C:44.8±8.1, PRE:49.2±4.8, POST:49.3±8.2). Priming breath holds prior to middle-distance racing may improve performance.

Joint toxicity assessment reveals synergistic effect of chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos to common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an important aquaculture species. However, their production and health is sometimes threatened by pesticides. In common carp, extensive studies have been done for exposures of single pesticides, but effects of mixtures such as those of the commonly used chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos, are still unknown for this species. In the first phase of this work, an acute lethal exposure experiment was conducted to estimate 24 h to 96 h lethal concentrations (LC10–90) of chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos and their mixture. Compared to dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos was found to be highly toxic to the tested species. Joint toxicity assessment of these pesticides in binary mixtures was dominated by synergism. In the second experimental phase, common carp were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (LD-10% and HD-50% 96 h-LC50) of individual pesticides and their mixture. General fish behaviors, buccal movements and feeding attempts by fish were recorded after 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h whereas aerobic metabolism of fish was recorded for 0–24 h, 24–48 h 48–72 h and 72–96 h of exposure. All pesticide treatments elevated buccal movements and oxygen uptake in a dose dependent manner. Feeding depression was also observed by pesticide exposure. The augmented deleterious effect of these pesticides in a mixture suggests that joint toxicity assessment is critical to develop more realistic water quality standards and monitoring guidelines.

Enhanced Blood Supply Through Lower Body Negative Pressure During Slow-Paced, High Load Leg Press Exercise Alters the Response of Muscle AMPK and Circulating Angiogenic Factors

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is an established method of simulating the gravitational effects of orthostasis on the cardiovascular system during space flight or at supine body position on Earth. We hypothesized that LBNP added onto leg press exercise would promote leg muscle perfusion, stimulate oxygen consumption, and modify acute molecular responses. Eighteen subjects performed fifteen slow-paced concentric (4 s) and eccentric contractions (4 s) without or with 40 mmHg LBNP. Force corresponding to 6% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) at knee flexion gradually increased to 60% 1-RM within the first half of the range of motion, thereafter remaining constant. AMPK and P-AMPK protein expression was determined in biopsies of vastus lateralis. Venous blood samples were used to measure angiogenic factors. Physiological responses to LBNP included an elevated EMG amplitude, higher heart rate and doubling of the cardiac output compared to control (p < 0.001). Muscle total hemoglobin was increased by around 20 μmol/l vs. control (p < 0.001), accompanied by decreasing tissue oxygen saturation and elevated oxygen uptake (p < 0.05). MMP-2 levels were reduced, and the ratio of P-AMPK to AMPK elevated after exercise with LBNP (p < 0.05). MMP-9 similarly increased in both groups, whereas endostatin was only elevated in the control group (p < 0.05). Our results indicate facilitated peripheral blood supply and higher oxygen exploitation leading to activation of the energy sensor AMPK and differential regulation of angiogenic factors involved in muscle tissue remodeling and capillary growth. Simulating orthostasis with LBNP might promote beneficial structural adaptations of skeletal muscles during resistance exercise and contribute to future exercise countermeasures achieving increased muscle strength and endurance during space flight.

The neuroprotective steroid progesterone promotes mitochondrial uncoupling, reduces cytosolic calcium and augments stress resistance in yeast cells.

The steroid hormone progesterone is not only a crucial sex hormone, but also serves as a neurosteroid, thus playing an important role in brain function. Epidemiological data suggest that progesterone improves the recovery of patients after traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries are often connected to elevated calcium spikes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and programmed cell death affecting neurons. Here, we establish a yeast model to study progesterone-mediated cytoprotection. External supply of progesterone protected yeast cells from apoptosis-inducing stress stimuli and resulted in elevated mitochondrial oxygen uptake accompanied by a drop in ROS generation and ATP levels during chronological aging. In addition, cellular Ca2+ concentrations were reduced upon progesterone treatment, and this effect occurred independently of known Ca2+ transporters and mitochondrial respiration. All effects were also independent of Dap1, the yeast orthologue of the progesterone receptor. Altogether, our observations provide new insights into the cytoprotective effects of progesterone.

Warm-Up Strategies for Sport and Exercise: Mechanisms and Applications

It is widely accepted that warming-up prior to exercise is vital for the attainment of optimum performance. Both passive and active warm-up can evoke temperature, metabolic, neural and psychology-related effects, including increased anaerobic metabolism, elevated oxygen uptake kinetics and post-activation potentiation. Passive warm-up can increase body temperature without depleting energy substrate stores, as occurs during the physical activity associated with active warm-up. While the use of passive warm-up alone is not commonplace, the idea of utilizing passive warming techniques to maintain elevated core and muscle temperature throughout the transition phase (the period between completion of the warm-up and the start of the event) is gaining in popularity. Active warm-up induces greater metabolic changes, leading to increased preparedness for a subsequent exercise task. Until recently, only modest scientific evidence was available supporting the effectiveness of pre-competition warm-ups, with early studies often containing relatively few participants and focusing mostly on physiological rather than performance-related changes. External issues faced by athletes pre-competition, including access to equipment and the length of the transition/marshalling phase, have also frequently been overlooked. Consequently, warm-up strategies have continued to develop largely on a trial-and-error basis, utilizing coach and athlete experiences rather than scientific evidence. However, over the past decade or so, new research has emerged, providing greater insight into how and why warm-up influences subsequent performance. This review identifies potential physiological mechanisms underpinning warm-ups and how they can affect subsequent exercise performance, and provides recommendations for warm-up strategy design for specific individual and team sports.

Effects of different glycerol feeding strategies on S-adenosyl- l-methionine biosynthesis by P GAP-driven Pichia pastoris overexpressing methionine adenosyltransferase

Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) was overexpressed within Pichia pastoris employing the promoter of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (P GAP), to biosynthesize S-adenosyl- l-methionine (SAM). Effects of five glycerol feeding tactics on MAT activity were first investigated. Strategies A–C were based on limited feeding correlated with dissolved oxygen (DO) at 50.0%, 25.0% and 0.0%, respectively. For strategies D and E, unlimited supplementation was executed by pulsed feeding mode. Gradual decline (2–0%) (w:v) of the residual glycerol level was shown between any two pulses in strategy D, while a nearly stable content (2%) throughout fed-batch cultivation with strategy E. With shifting strategies A–E in alphabetical order, gradual improvements of MAT activities were achieved, with the maximum of 9.05 U g −1 dried biomass for strategy E, since the specific glycerol consumption rate ( F G) ascended due to the elevated specific oxygen uptake rate ( q O 2 ). The success was ascribed to the enhancement of oxygen transfer rate (OTR), because 2% glycerol improved oxygen saturation content in broth ( C*) and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient ( k L a). Strategy E also led to the highest values of ATP and biomass besides MAT. Consequently, the highest SAM yield and volumetric level were obtained at 0.058 g g −1 and 9.26 g l −1, respectively.

Elevated oxygen uptake and high rates of nitrogen excretion in early life stages of the cobia Rachycentron canadum (L.), a fast‐growing subtropical fish

Physiological energetics of cobia Rachycentron canadum were quantified for 18 to 82 days post‐hatch (dph) hatchery‐reared juveniles to better understand energy transformation and its implications in growth and survival. Mean oxygen consumption rates (; mg O2 h−1) of fish fed ad libitum and fish that were starved significantly increased with increasing wet mass (M; g), = 1·4291M0·8119 and = 1·1784M0·7833, respectively, with a significant reduction in mean metabolic rates of starved fish (19 to 27% specific dynamic action; SDA). Total ammonia nitrogen excretion rates (AMM, μmol h−1) also scaled with M and significantly decreased after starvation. Mean mass‐specific AMM and urea excretion rates are the highest reported in the literature, with urea accounting for approximately half the total nitrogen excretion measured in both fed and starved fish. Relatively high energetic rates may allow cobia to develop rapidly into pre‐juveniles and be less susceptible to predation and starvation at a comparatively early age.

Association of Inflammatory Marker and Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein With Aerobic Exercise Capacity, Maximum Oxygen Uptake and Insulin Resistance in Healthy Middle-Aged Volunteers

Increased levels of inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha , have been found in insulin resistance syndrome. Those with elevated levels of high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) are at a higher risk for coronary heart disease. In the present study, we evaluated whether maximum oxygen uptake and insulin resistance are related to hs-CRP for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease. The subjects were 50 subjects who did not have diabetes mellitus. A multi-step treadmill exercise test was performed to obtain the maximum oxygen uptake when assessed by computerized breath-by-breath analysis. As an index of insulin resistance, the homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-R; fasting glucose x fasting insulin/405) was used. In addition, bodyweight, body mass index, subcutaneous fat thickness, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured. Multivariate analysis revealed that hs-CRP was significantly correlated with HDL-cholesterol, uric acid, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and maximum oxygen uptake. The maximum oxygen uptake showed the smallest odds ratio was in terms of the relationship with hs-CRP. The present study suggests that the development of exercising habits increases the maximum oxygen uptake. Furthermore, an elevated maximum oxygen uptake decreases HOMA-R and reduces the inflammatory marker CRP, suggesting that exercising habit plays an important role in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Is the superior cornea continuously swollen?

Background: During waking hours, the upper eyelid typically covers the superior two millimetres of the cornea. This partial oxygen barrier is the presumed cause of the reversibly elevated epithelial oxygen uptake in tiiis region of the cornea. We studied the thickness profile of the vertical corneal meridian before and after extended exposure to a uniform hypoxic stimulus to ascertain die extent of chronic superior corneal swelling diat might be attributable to coverage by die upper lid. Methods: Each of 16 male subjects, age 24 to 40 years, wore a uniformly thick polymacon lens (Dk/L = 5.7 times 10‐9 cm ml 02/s ml mmHg) on one eye for four hours with die eyelid patched. Thickness was measured at five sites across the vertical corneal meridian prior to and immediately after patching. Baseline thickness and swelling were compared at die superior and inferior edges of selected central chord diameters. Results: At baseline, die superior cornea was, on average, 31 μm thicker (p = 0.0002) at the 7.1 mm chord and 9 μm thicker (not significant) at die 3.75 mm chord, compared to die inferior cornea at die corresponding chords. Mean corneal swelling ranged from 70.5 μm centrally to approximately 48 μm at die 7.1 mm chord diameter. The extent of swelling at die corresponding superior and inferior sites was virtually identical for both chord diameters. Conclusion: Although die superior cornea is significantly thicker than die inferior cornea, diis difference does not appear to be immediately related to die chronic differences in open eye oxygen tension between the superior and inferior regions.

The GLUT4 density in slow fibres is not increased in athletes. How does training increase the GLUT4 pool originating from slow fibres?

The influence of training on GLUT4 expression in slow- and fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibres was studied in male endurance-trained athletes and control subjects. The trained state was ensured by elevated maximal oxygen uptake (29%), as well as citrate synthase (60%) and 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (38%) activities in muscle biopsy samples of the vastus lateralis. GLUT4 densities in slow- and fast-twitch fibres were measured by the use of a newly developed, sensitive method combining immunohistochemistry with morphometry, and no effect of training was found. GLUT4 density was higher in slow-twitch fibres compared to fast-twitch fibres (P<0.05) when biopsy samples from untrained subjects were examined. In athletes GLUT4 density was identical in slow- and fast-twitch fibres. Slow-twitch fibre diameters were 10% larger in the athletes (P<0.01), and slow-twitch fibre fractions were 140% of the fraction in the control group. Thus, GLUT4 originating from slow-twitch fibres was increased by 30% (P<0.02) in athletes. We conclude that long-lasting endurance training increases slow-twitch fibre GLUT4 expression by means of an elevated slow-twitch fibre mass in human skeletal muscle.

Muscle blood flow and oxygen uptake in recovery from exercise.

The metabolic and muscle blood flow response in recovery from exercise is dependent on the type and the duration of the exercise. Immediately after both intense static and dynamical exercise blood flow to the exercised muscles increases suggesting that blood flow is mechanically hindered by muscle contraction. After the initial rise (seconds) muscle blood flow decreases at a moderate rate and the time to reach resting flow levels varies from seconds to more than 30 min. It is unclear as to what causes the elevated blood flow during recovery. A mismatch between the time course of changes in blood flow and oxygen uptake suggests that the blood flow is not directly regulated by the need of oxygen in the exercised muscles. The hyperaemic response may be linked to locally released factors, such as ions and metabolites. However, the signal by which the blood flow is elevated remains unknown. After exercise both pulmonary and muscle oxygen uptake decrease rapidly, but can remain above resting levels for several hours. Resynthesis of substrates such as CP, ATP and glycogen cannot account for the entire excessive post-exercise oxygen uptake (EPOC) in the exercised muscles and the cause of the elevated muscle oxygen uptake in recovery from exercise remains to be assessed.

The Influence of Habitat and Altitude on Oxygen Uptake in Sub-Antarctic Weevils

Whole-organism oxygen uptake rate and its temperature sensitivity (determined using regression analyses and estimates of Q10) were examined in six closely related weevil species (Palirhoeus eatoni, Bothrometopus randi, Bothrometopus elongatus, Bothrometopus parvulus, Ectemnorhinus similis, and Ectemnorhinus marioni) from sub-Antarctic Marion Island over a short time period and using the same methods. Bothrometopus elongatus, B. parvulus, and the two Ectemnorhinus species have populations at both high and low elevations, and pairwise comparisons of these species were made. Regressions of the log of oxygen uptake rate on temperature and Q10 values revealed that the Ectemnorhinus species have a significantly greater thermal sensitivity than do species in the genera Bothrometopus and Palirhoeus. This may be considered an adaptation of the former to their moist lowland habitats and the requirements of angiosperm-feeding in E. similis. It is argued that elevated oxygen uptake rates and reduced slopes of the regression of the log of oxygen uptake rate on temperature in species and populations from high altitudes compared with those from low elevations provide evidence for metabolic cold adaptation. In addition, it seems likely that elevated oxygen uptake rates and their reduced thermal sensitivity within the genera Bothrometopus and Palirhoeus are an adaptation to the cold Neogene environments they evolved in. However, because data on the more basal taxa in the Ectemnorhinus group of weevils are not available, this temperature compensation could not be attributed conclusively to adaptation. Q10's of the lowland populations of all the species were negatively correlated with body water content, and it is suggested that the low temperature sensitivity of metabolism in P. eatoni and the Bothrometopus species may also be due to constraints imposed on them by their dry habitats.

Effect of thyroid hormone replacement in iron-deficient rats

To determine if the previously observed alterations in norepinephrine (NE) metabolism and resting metabolic rate in iron-deficient (ID) rats result from hypothyroidism, exogenous thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) were administered to ID rats in doses sufficient to normalize the plasma concentrations of these hormones, whereas other ID and control (CN) rats received placebo treatment. Resting oxygen consumption was approximately 25% higher in ID than CN rats; T4 but not T3 treatment alleviated this elevated oxygen uptake. The NE content of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT), liver, and heart was 70-80% lower in ID than CN rats, and NE turnover in the same tissues was likewise 40-60% lower in ID than CN rats, with no systematic effect of either T3 or T4 treatment. Liver T(4)5'-deiodinase activity was 70% lower in ID than CN rats and increased with T4 but not T3 treatment. These experiments show that iron deficiency alters NE and energy metabolism in a way that is mostly independent of its effects on thyroid hormone metabolism.

Influence of anoxia and hydrogen sulphide on the energy metabolism of Scrobicularia plana (da Costa) (Bivalvia)

Responses to anoxia and hydrogen sulphide exposure are studied in the intertidal clam Scrobicularia plana. In their habitat the clams encounter varying sulphide concentration in sediment pore water (up to 1.19 mM). After long-term exposure to anoxic conditions (5 days) clams keep an enhanced oxygen uptake for about one day (accumulated oxygen debt 225 μmol O 2·g −1dry mass), before resuming normoxic consumption rates (MO 2 = 6.3 ± 2.4 μmol O 2· g −1dry mass· h −1). Specimens incubated under anoxia and sulphide (200 μM) for 5 days exhibit increased recovery oxygen uptake compared to anoxic clams (oxygen debt 385 μmol O 2·g −1dry mass) and accumulate significant elevated levels of succinate in muscular tissues. Even though this indicates an influence of sulphide on the overall metabolism of Scrobicularia plana, no deteriorating effect is observed, as clams regain normoxic consumption rates in the same time frame as individuals incubated without sulphide. During anoxic sulphide incubation (200 μM), sulphide concentration in extrapallial fluid is low throughout 2 days, before reaching an equilibrium with the external concentrations after 8 days. Oxidation of accumulated sulphide accounts for less than 10% of the elevated oxygen uptake. Mantle edge tissue turns black upon sulphide exposure and accumulates high amounts of sulphide, suggesting a temporary function as a peripheral “sulphide-trap”. Our study suggests, that the disappearance of Scrobicularia plana from most Danish coastal areas during the last decades is unlikely to be related primarily to increased periods of oxygen depletion and occurrence of hydrogen sulphide in coastal waters.

Effect of lowered muscle temperature on the physiological response to exercise in men

The effect of low muscle temperature on the response to dynamic exercise was studied in six healthy men who performed 42 min of exercise on a cycle ergometer at an intensity of 70% of their maximal O2 uptake. Experiments were performed under control conditions, i.e. from rest at room temperature, and following 45 min standing with legs immersed in a water bath at 12 degrees C. The water bath reduced quadriceps muscle temperature (at 3 cm depth) from 36.4 (SD 0.5) degrees C to 30.5 (SD 1.7) degrees C. Following cooling, exercise heart rate was initially lower, the mean difference ranged from 13 (SD 4) beats.min-1 after 6 min of exercise, to 4 (SD 2) beats.min-1 after 24 min of exercise. Steady-state oxygen uptake was consistently higher (0.2 l.min-1). However, no difference could be discerned in the kinetics of oxygen uptake at the onset of exercise. During exercise after cooling a significantly higher peak value was found for the blood lactate concentration compared to that under control conditions. The peak values were both reached after approximately 9 min of exercise. After 42 min of exercise the blood lactate concentrations did not differ significantly, indicating a faster rate of removal during exercise after cooling. We interpreted these observations as reflecting a relatively higher level of muscle hypoxia at the onset of exercise as a consequence of a cold-induced vasoconstriction. The elevated steady-state oxygen uptake may in part have been accounted for by the energetic costs of removal of the extra lactate released into the blood consequent upon initial tissue hypoxia.

Carbohydrate and oxygen metabolism during hepatocellular proliferation: A study in perfused livers from mirex-treated rats

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is accompanied by altered hepatic intermediary metabolism. Because the organochlorine compound mirex also causes liver cell growth, the purpose of this study was to investigate hepatic carbohydrate and oxygen metabolism in perfused livers from mirex-treated rats and to localize cell proliferation in this model. Pretreatment with mirex (100 mg/kg, intragastrically) increased liver/body weight ratios and DNA synthesis in livers of fed rats, effects that were markedly diminished in livers of fasted rats. This finding shows that liver growth caused by mirex, as is the case after partial hepatectomy, is hindered when animals are deprived of food. Furthermore, perfused livers from mirex-treated rats had depleted glycogen stores but significantly elevated oxygen uptake compared with livers from control rats. Increases in oxygen uptake and hepatocellular proliferation were observed mostly in periportal regions of the liver lobule. In regenerating livers, most DNA synthesis was reported to also occur in these regions of the liver lobule. Taken together, these data show that liver cell growth caused by mirex is accompanied by changes in hepatic intermediary metabolism and sublobular proliferation similar to those observed after partial hepatectomy.

Carbohydrate and oxygen metabolism during hepatocellular proliferation: A study in perfused livers from mirex-treated rats

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is accompanied by altered hepatic intermediary metabolism. Because the organochlorine compound mirex also causes liver cell growth, the purpose of this study was to investigate hepatic carbohydrate and oxygen metabolism in perfused livers from mirex-treated rats and to localize cell proliferation in this model. Pretreatment with mirex (100 mg/kg, intragastrically) increased liver/body weight ratios and DNA synthesis in livers of fed rats, effects that were markedly diminished in livers of fasted rats. This finding shows that liver growth caused by mirex, as is the case after partial hepatectomy, is hindered when animals are deprived of food. Furthermore, perfused livers from mirex-treated rats had depleted glycogen stores but significantly elevated oxygen uptake compared with livers from control rats. Increases in oxygen uptake and hepatocellular proliferation were observed mostly in periportal regions of the liver lobule. In regenerating livers, most DNA synthesis was reported to also occur in these regions of the liver lobule. Taken together, these data show that liver cell growth caused by mirex is accompanied by changes in hepatic intermediary metabolism and sublobular proliferation similar to those observed after partial hepatectomy.

Substrates for muscle glycogen synthesis in recovery from intense exercise in man.

1. Intramuscular glyconeogenesis from lactate after intense exercise was examined by using the one-legged knee extension model which enables evaluation of metabolism in a well-defined muscle group. 2. In seven subjects measurements of leg blood flow and arterial-venous differences of various substrates were performed in individuals after intense, exhaustive knee extensor exercise lasting 3.0 min. Muscle glycogen and lactate concentrations were determined in the quadriceps muscle immediately after exercise and three times during 1 h of recovery. 3. Muscle glycogen increased from 93.7 +/- 6.7 (+/- S.E.M.) to 108.8 +/- 8.1 mmol (kg wet wt)-1 during the recovery period. Muscle lactate was 27.1 +/- 2.1 mmol (kg wet wt)-1 at the end of exercise and decreased to 14.5 +/- 2.1, 6.7 +/- 1.1, and 3.0 +/- 0.5 mmol (kg wet wt)-1 after 3, 10 and 60 min of recovery, respectively. 4. More than two-thirds of the lactate that accumulated in the muscle during the intense exercise was released into the blood. It was estimated that between 13 and 27% of the lactate could have been converted to glycogen. This corresponded to a glycogen resynthesis rate from lactate of 0.17-0.34 and 0.002 mmol glucosyl units min-1 (kg wet wt)-1 for the first 10 and last 50 min of recovery, respectively. 5. The O2 debt of the leg was 1.5 l of which the resynthesis of ATP, creatine phosphate (CP) and glycogen and reloading of haemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) only could account for one-third. It is proposed that the elevated oxygen uptake during recovery is linked to the metabolic use of intramuscular triacylglycerol.

Activation of Glutamate Dehydrogenase by Leucine and Its Nonmetabolizable Analogue in Rat Brain Synaptosomes

Leucine and beta-(+/-)-2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) stimulated, in a dose-dependent manner, reductive amination of 2-oxoglutarate in rat brain synaptosomes treated with Triton X-100. The concentration dependence curves were sigmoid, with 10-15-fold stimulations at 15 mM leucine (or BCH); oxidative deamination of glutamate also was enhanced, albeit less. In intact synaptosomes, leucine and BCH elevated oxygen uptake and increased ammonia formation, consistent with stimulation of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Enhancement of oxidative deamination was seen with endogenous as well as exogenous glutamate and with glutamate generated inside synaptosomes from added glutamine. With endogenous glutamate, the stimulation of oxidative deamination was accompanied by a decrease in aspartate formation, which suggests a concomitant reduction in flux through aspartate aminotransferase. Activation of reductive amination of 2-oxoglutarate by BCH or leucine could not be demonstrated even in synaptosomes depleted of internal glutamate. It is suggested that GDH in synaptosomes functions in the direction of glutamate oxidation, and that leucine may act as an endogenous activator of GDH in brain in vivo.