Lactate Removal Research Articles

A Study on Blood Lactate Removal Among the Football Players

The purpose of the study was to compare the blood lactate removal between active and passive recovery modes. Ten (10) under-17 national-level football players were purposively selected to fulfill the study. Participants performed a treadmill run at 90% intensity followed by either a 5-minute active or passive recovery mode. Active recovery resulted in significantly greater lactate reduction after 5 minutes (4.32 ± 2.1 mmol/L decrease) compared to passive rest (2.27 ± 1.11 mmol/L). The rapid early clearance with activity indicates better blood circulation and lactate metabolism. In addition, the difference was insignificant after 10 minutes of facilitation of both recovery modes. This study concluded that active recovery provides transient metabolic benefits optimizing lactate reduction rate for a short period. However, more research needed on durations and subsequent performance impacts will reveal ideal practical applications for intermittent, high-intensity sports.

Identifying physiological determinants of 800 m running performance using post-exercise blood lactate kinetics

PurposeThe aims of the present study were to investigate blood lactate kinetics following high intensity exercise and identify the physiological determinants of 800 m running performance.MethodsFourteen competitive 800 m runners performed two running tests. First, participants performed a multistage graded exercise test to determine physiological indicators related to endurance performance. Second, participants performed four to six 30-s high intensity running bouts to determine post-exercise blood lactate kinetics. Using a biexponential time function, lactate exchange ability (γ1), lactate removal ability (γ2), and the quantity of lactate accumulated (QLaA) were calculated from individual blood lactate recovery data.Results800 m running performance was significantly correlated with peak oxygen consumption (r = −0.794), γ1 and γ2 at 800 m race pace (r = −0.604 and −0.845, respectively), and QLaA at maximal running speed (r = −0.657). V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\dot{\ ext{V}}}$$\\end{document}O2peak and γ2 at 800 m race pace explained 83% of the variance in 800 m running performance.ConclusionOur results indicate that (1) a high capacity to exchange and remove lactate, (2) a high capacity for short-term lactate accumulation and, (3) peak oxygen consumption, are critical elements of 800 m running performance. Accordingly, while lactate has primarily been utilized as a performance indicator for long-distance running, post-exercise lactate kinetics may also prove valuable as a performance determinant in middle-distance running.

Effect of timing of citrate drink ingestion on blood lactate removal.

[Purpose] Citrate drinks are readily available and effectively remove lactate from blood, improving performance. However, whether they are more beneficial when consumed before or after exercise is unclear. We aimed to examine the effect of citrate drink intake timing on blood lactate removal. [Participants and Methods] We randomly assigned 41 healthy male students to four conditions: citric acid intake before exercise, citric acid intake after, water intake after, and no intake. The participants performed a 5-min ergometer cycle, and we measured the blood lactate levels before and at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min after exercise. We calculated the reduction rate of blood lactate levels by subtracting the respective blood lactate values from those at 0 min and then dividing by the blood lactate value at 0 min (Ex-5, Ex-10, Ex-20, and Ex-30). [Results] The measured blood lactate values or their reduction rates were not significantly different between the four conditions. Significant differences were observed between the pre- and post-citric acid conditions for Ex-5, Ex-10, Ex-20, and Ex-30. [Conclusion] The effects of different timings of citric acid intake on blood lactate removal were not significantly different, and the reduction rate of blood lactate values continued to increase with citric acid intake, regardless of timing.

Removal of ciprofloxacin lactate by phosphoric acid activated biochar: Urgent consideration of new antibiotics for human health

The long-term accumulation and residue of the emerging pollutant ciprofloxacin lactate (CIP) in the aquatic environment have caused great harm to the ecological environment. In this experiment, CIP was adsorbed on H3PO4-activated cow dung biochar (PBC) prepared with different impregnation ratios. It was found that the secondary pyrolysis of activated original biochar leads to more thorough carbonization, increased aromaticity, hydrophobicity, increased porosity, and increased hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl and a large number of functional groups. When pH value was 5.0, 30P-BC had the highest adsorption capacity. The fitting correlation of PSO models for BC, 10P-BC, 30P-BC, and 50P-BC is higher, with the correlation coefficients of 0.9930, 0.9917, 0.9874, and 0.9886, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of materials were 15.27 mg/g (BC), 39.97 mg/g (10P-BC), 53.89 mg/g (30P-BC) and 22.04 mg/g (50P-BC), respectively. The four adsorbents are dominated by single molecule layer chemical adsorption, and there is also a physical adsorption process. The primary mechanism of CIP is the interaction between pore filling and π-π electron donor acceptor, which also includes electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. The removal efficiency applied to actual wastewater and the health assessment of human health risks are worth considering. The removal rate of CIP by 30P-BC in the simulated wastewater experiment reached 97.77 %. Moreover, through the model fitting of the polluted water quality contribution rate to human health exposure, the removal of CIP by 30P-BC can greatly reduce the related risks to human health.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells impair CD4+ T cell responses during chronic Staphylococcus aureus infection via lactate metabolism

Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of chronic infections resulting from the failure of the host to eliminate the pathogen. Effective S. aureus clearance requires CD4+ T cell-mediated immunity. We previously showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) expand during staphylococcal infections and support infection chronicity by inhibiting CD4+ T cell responses. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the suppressive effect exerted by MDSC on CD4+ T cells during chronic S. aureus infection. It is well known that activated CD4+ T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming from oxidative metabolism to aerobic glycolysis to meet their increased bioenergetic requirements. In this process, pyruvate is largely transformed into lactate by lactate dehydrogenase with the concomitant regeneration of NAD+, which is necessary for continued glycolysis. The by-product lactate needs to be excreted to maintain the glycolytic flux. Using SCENITH (single-cell energetic metabolism by profiling translation inhibition), we demonstrated here that MDSC inhibit CD4+ T cell responses by interfering with their metabolic activity. MDSC are highly glycolytic and excrete large amount of lactate in the local environment that alters the transmembrane concentration gradient and prevent removal of lactate by activated CD4+ T. Accumulation of endogenous lactate impedes the regeneration of NAD+, inhibit NAD-dependent glycolytic enzymes and stop glycolysis. Together, the results of this study have uncovered a role for metabolism on MDSC suppression of CD4+ T cell responses. Thus, reestablishment of their metabolic activity may represent a mean to improve the functionality of CD4+ T cells during chronic S. aureus infection.

Biohydrogen production from fermented acidic cheese whey using lactate: Reactor performance and microbial ecology analysis

This work aimed to evaluate the hydrogen production rate (HPR) from lactate using the acidic fermented cheese whey (FCW) substrate, focusing on the lactate and lactate–acetate pathways. The lactate pathway was evaluated in three stages. In the first stage, the reactor was fed with cheese whey (CW; phase I) and then with FCW to phases II and III. Two hydraulic retention times (HRT) were tested in the second stage: 6 and 4.5 h. In the third stage, four pH levels were evaluated: 6, 5.5, 5, and 4.5 (reaching 1.2 L H2/L·d). The lactate-acetate pathway was first assessed in batch test, observing an enhancement of the HPR using FCW-acetic acid (HAc) at a ratio of 8.25. The continuous operation at this ratio reached 3.2 L H2/L·d. The relationship between Clostridium, high HPR, and lactate removal was positively correlated at a pH of 5 and HRT of 4.5 h.

Immediate effect of acupuncture on lactate removal after exercise: A pilot study

BackgroundThe recovery process is of utmost importance in activities where the athlete has to compete more than once a day during the competition. It is generally accepted that intense physical activity results in lactate production and the accumulation of lactate in exercising muscle is considered one of the main determining factors of fatigue. ObjectiveThe main goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the immediate effects of acupuncture on lactate removal after just one treatment session and to evaluate lactate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation behavior at 5, 30, and 60 min after exercise. MethodsFour individuals were evaluated and were part of both the experimental group (real acupuncture) and the placebo group (sham acupuncture) and were tested at two distinct times with a one-week interval. Baseline values of lactate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured, and then the participants performed a warm-up and subsequently completed the Wingate test. The individuals were re-evaluated 5, 30, and 60 min after the Wingate test, and either real or sham acupuncture was applied after the test. ResultsAfter the intervention period, there was an increased ability to reduce or remove lactate after maximum effort. No significant differences were observed in heart rate or oxygen saturation. Conclusions: The results of this case study seem to suggest that acupuncture has a positive effect on lactate removal after intense physical exercise.

Properties of REM sleep alterations with epilepsy.

It is usually assumed that individuals rest during sleep. However, coordinated neural activity that presumably requires high energy consumption is increased during REM sleep. Here, using freely moving male transgenic mice, the local brain environment and astrocyte activity during REM sleep were examined using the fibre photometry method with an optical fibre inserted deep into the lateral hypothalamus, a region that is linked with controlling sleep and metabolic state of the entire brain. Optical fluctuations of endogenous autofluorescence of the brain parenchyma or fluorescence of sensors for Ca2+ or pH expressed in astrocytes were examined. Using a newly devised method for analysis, changes in cytosolic Ca2+ and pH in astrocytes and changes in the local brain blood volume (BBV) were extracted. On REM sleep, astrocytic Ca2+ decreases, pH decreases (acidification) and BBV increases. Acidification was unexpected, as an increase in BBV would result in efficient carbon dioxide and/or lactate removal, which leads to alkalinization of the local brain environment. Acidification could be a result of increased glutamate transporter activity due to enhanced neuronal activity and/or aerobic metabolism in astrocytes. Notably, optical signal changes preceded the onset of the electrophysiological property signature of REM sleep by ∼20-30 s. This suggests that changes in the local brain environment have strong control over the state of neuronal cell activity. With repeated stimulation of the hippocampus, seizure response gradually develops through kindling. After a fully kindled state was obtained with multiple days of stimuli, the optical properties of REM sleep at the lateral hypothalamus were examined again. Although a negative deflection of the detected optical signal was observed during REM sleep after kindling, the estimated component changed. The decrease in Ca2+ and increase in BBV were minimal, and a large decrease in pH (acidification) emerged. This acidic shift may trigger an additional gliotransmitter release from astrocytes, which could lead to a state of hyperexcitable brain. As the properties of REM sleep change with the development of epilepsy, REM sleep analysis may serve as a biomarker of epileptogenesis severity. REM sleep analysis may also predict whether a specific REM sleep episode triggers post-sleep seizures.

Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Maximal Inspiratory Pressure Without Increasing Performance in Elite Swimmers

To analyze the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP) and performance of elite swimmers. Eight participants performed a 3000-m swimming test (T-3000), followed by blood lactate measurements at 1 and 5minutes postexercise.. The testing protocol was carried out before and after 6weeks of IMT, in which a high-volume IMT group (HV-IMT) (n = 4) performed IMT twice a day-in the morning in a seated position and in the afternoon in a concurrent session of IMT and core muscle training. Also, a low-volume IMT group (LV-IMT) (n = 4) performed IMT in the morning session only. After the intervention, both groups improved their MIP, HV-IMT (132.75 [27.42] to 156.75 [21.88] cmH2O; P = .010; d = 0.967) and LV-IMT (149.25 [22.82] to 171.50 [23.74] cmH2O; P = .013; d = 0.955), without a significant difference between groups (P = .855). Regarding swimming performance, there were no changes between groups in the T-3000 (P = .472) or lactate removal rate (P = .104). IMT increased inspiratory muscle strength in elite swimmers, but there was no association or meaningful impact on swimming performance.

200m breaststroke post-competition blood lactate removal characteristics

The goal of this study was to define the individual model characteristics of lactic acid removal after 200m breaststroke competitive load in a female swimmer in relation to different pool lengths (25m vs. 50m). The second goal was methodological and referred to the presentation of newly applied metrological procedures for the Individual Lactate Recovery Profile modeling. Six races from the competitive season 2021/22 were selected, in which the athlete achieved the most valuable results in relation to the FINA score. To establish the metabolic response of the organism to the competition effort, the method of determining the level of lactate concentration in capillary blood (La in mmol/L) was used. Differences between the mean values of variables were established using ANOVA. The polynomial curve equation function was used to create a blood lactate concentration in a function of recovery time model (La-trecovery). The ANOVA showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the monitored variables and the pool length function (p=.097). The maximum achieved blood lactate concentration in the acute race recovery phase was 13.17 ± 2.81 and 12.08 ± 1.80 mmol/L and the given concentration initially occurred in the time of 240.0 ± 85.6 s and 169.3 ± 79.9 s in the 25 and 50m pool, respectively. In relation to the time of complete passive recovery required to establish acidosis at the level of 2 mmol/L (25 and 50m pool) occurred in 1191.7 ± 481.3 s and 1326.7 ± 405.1 s, while the full index of intensity of blood lactate clearance was 135.7 ± 60.7 s/mmol/L and 124.0 ± 60.7 s/mmol/L for 25m and 50m pool, respectively. Although no statistically significant difference was found between the parameters of recovery in relation to pool length, the offered mathematical models enabled a practical individual approach to controlling the specific adaptation to training for achieving a higher competitive level performance.

A general swimming response in exhausted obligate swimming fish.

Marine organisms normally swim at elevated speeds relative to cruising speeds only during strenuous activity, such as predation or escape. We measured swimming speeds of 29 ram ventilating sharks from 10 species and of three Atlantic bluefin tunas immediately after exhaustive exercise (fighting a capture by hook-and-line) and unexpectedly found all individuals exhibited a uniform mechanical response, with swimming speed initially two times higher than the cruising speeds reached approximately 6 h later. We hypothesized that elevated swimming behaviour is a means to increase energetic demand and drive the removal of lactate accumulated during capture via oxidation. To explore this hypothesis, we estimated the mechanical work that must have been spent by an animal to elevate its swim speed and then showed that the amount of lactate that could have been oxidized to fuel it comprises a significant portion of the amount of lactate normally observed in fishes after exhaustive exercise. An estimate for the full energetic cost of the catch-and-release event ensued.

EFFECT OF SINGLE AND MULTIPLE SESSIONS OF SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Self-myofascial release with a roller has been used as a tool to accelerate recovery. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate how one session or multiple sessions of self-myofascial release with a roller affect the recovery of an athlete´s performance. The research was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, BVS, Embase, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases using the terms: foam rolling, foam roller, and self-myofascial release combined with recovery, exercise, fatigue, and sport and acute effects, chronic effects and performance, resulting in 12,020 articles. After checking the inclusion criteria, 40 studies were selected and analyzed. It was concluded that multiple sessions of self-myofascial release with a roller are more effective in recovering lower limb power and speed performance than just one session. A single session is more effective for recovering strength performance than multiple sessions. Moreover, both single and multiple sessions showed similar results in the recovery of agility, pain, flexibility, blood lactate removal, and perception of recovery. Finally, multiple sessions between sets of resistance exercise seem to reduce performance, decreasing the number of repetitions and resistance to fatigue, while a single session did not produce a significant effect. Self-myofascial release with a roller demonstrates potential for speeding up the recovery process of athletes. Future studies should evaluate the effect of the regular use of self-myofascial release with a roller on performance recovery. Level of evidence II; Systematic review.

Biosorptive Removal of Ethacridine Lactate from Aqueous Solutions by Saccharomyces pastorianus Residual Biomass/Calcium Alginate Composite Beads: Fixed-Bed Column Study.

In this study, ethacridine lactate removal from aqueous solution using a biosorbent material based on residual microbial biomass and natural polymers in fixed-bed continuous column was investigated. Composite beads of Saccharomyces pastorianus residual biomass and calcium alginate were obtained by immobilization technique. The prepared biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and analysis of point of zero charge value. Then, laboratory-scale experiments by fixed-bed column biosorption were conducted in continuous system. To this purpose, the column bed high (5 cm; 7.5 cm), initial pollutant concentration (20 mg/L; 40 mg/L), and solution flow through the column (0.6 mL/min; 1.5 mL/min) were considered the main parameters. Recorded breakthrough curves suggest that lower flow rates, greater bed heights, and a lower concentration of ethacridine lactate led to an increased biosorption of the target compound. The biosorption dynamic was investigated by nonlinear regression analysis using the Adams–Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, Clark, and Yan mathematical models. Conclusively, our research highlights, firstly, that the obtained biosorbent material has the required properties for retaining the ethacridine lactate from aqueous solution in continuous system. Secondly, it emphasizes that the modeling approach reveals an acceptable fitting with the experimental data for the Yoon–Nelson, Clark, and Yan models.

Comparison of active and passive recovery using local heat in lactate removal in cyclists

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the comparative effect on lactatemia of active and passive recovery using local heat in male cyclists. Methods: Two recovery protocols applied on 24 cyclists were compared. One protocol consisted of active recovery of 15 min pedaling at 40% of V̇O2max followed by 15 min rest. The other protocol consisted of 30 min of passive recovery with hot packs on thighs for 15 min. Blood lactate was measured at maximal effort and during recovery. Results: Changes in lactatemia over time were not equivalent across the two protocol groups (p = .000). Lactatemia differences averaged across time were significant (p = .000). The mean values of lactatemia decreased over time but more so in the active recovery group. Conclusions: Active recovery exercising at 40% of V̇O2max after an intense effort results in a more effective decrease of blood lactate levels than passive recovery with local heat.

Lower Muscle and Blood Lactate Accumulation in Sickle Cell Trait Carriers in Response to Short High-Intensity Exercise.

It remains unclear whether sickle cell trait (SCT) should be considered a risk factor during intense physical activity. By triggering the polymerization-sickling-vaso-occlusion cascade, lactate accumulation-associated acidosis in response to high-intensity exercise is believed to be one of the causes of complications. However, our understanding of lactate metabolism in response to high-intensity exercise in SCT carriers is incomplete. Thirty male SCT carriers (n = 15) and healthy subjects (n = 15) with and without α-thalassemia performed a 2-min high-intensity exercise. Blood and muscle lactate concentrations were measured at exercise completion. Time courses of blood lactate and glucose concentrations were followed during the subsequent recovery. Additional biochemical analyses were performed on biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle. SCT was associated with lower blood and muscle lactate concentrations in response to the short high-intensity exercise. Compared to controls, the muscle content among SCT carriers of lactate transporter MCT4 and β2-adrenergic receptor were higher and lower, respectively. During recovery, the lactate removal ability was higher in SCT carriers. In the present study, no effect of α-thalassemia was observed. The lower blood and muscle lactate accumulations in SCT carriers may, to some extent, act as protective mechanisms: (i) against exercise-related acidosis and subsequent sickling, that may explain the relatively rare complications observed in exercising SCT carriers; and (ii) against the deleterious effects of intracellular lactate and associated acidosis on muscle function, that might explain the elevated presence of SCT carriers among the best sprinters.

Changes in the removal of blood lactate induced by obesity

Changes in the removal of blood lactate induced by obesity

The Effect of Pedal Pump Lymphatic Technique Versus Passive Recovery Following Maximal Exercise: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

ContextMuscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can occur following intense exercise. Various modalities have been studied to improve blood lactate accumulation, which is a primary reason for DOMS. It has been well established that active recovery facilitates blood lactate removal more rapidly that passive recovery due to the pumping action of the muscle. The pedal pump is a manual lymphatic technique used in osteopathic manipulative medicine to increase lymphatic drainage throughout the body. Pedal pump has been shown to increase lymphatic flow and improve immunity. This may improve circulation and improve clearance of metabolites post-exercise.ObjectiveThis study compared the use of pedal pump lymphatic technique to passive supine recovery following maximal exercise.Methods17 subjects (male n = 10, age 23 ± 3.01; female n = 7, age 24 ± 1.8), performed a maximal volume O2 test (VO2 max) using a Bruce protocol, followed by a recovery protocol using either pedal pump technique or supine passive rest for 10 min, followed by sitting for 10 min. Outcome measures included blood lactate concentration (BL), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and VO2. Subjects returned on another day to repeat the VO2 max test to perform the other recovery protocol. All outcomes were measured at rest, within 1- minute post-peak exercise, and at minutes 4, 7, 10 and 20 of the recovery protocols. A 2 × 6 repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare outcome measures (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsNo significant differences were found in VO2, HR, or SBP between any of the recovery protocols. There was no significant difference in BL concentrations for recovery at minutes 4, 7, or 10 (p > 0.05). However, the pedal pump recovery displayed significantly lower BL concentrations at minute 20 of recovery (p = 0.04).ConclusionThe pedal pump significantly decreased blood lactate concentrations following intense exercise at recovery minute 20. The use of manual lymphatic techniques in exercise recovery should be investigated further.

Effect of resistance exercise with arm sleeve compression garments accelerates blood lactate removal

Purpose:
 It has long been suggested that arm sleeve compression garments (CG) may impact blood lactate levels ([Lac-]B) during the recovery from resistive exercise. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that upper-body compression garments during recovery from intense resistive exercise contribute to La clearance, thus leading to reduced [Lac-]B.
 Methods:
 Sixteen healthy men underwent two sequences of flexion and extension exercises of the elbows and triceps on a pulley, with and without upper-body compression garments, separated by 72h. The exercises were performed with 3 sets of 10 RM, and a cadence of 2 sec was maintained in the eccentric phase and concentric phase. During an inactive recovery period of 20 minutes, serial arterialized venous blood samples were collected to obtain lactate concentrations.
 Results:
 Subjects showed similar responses at baseline and at peak exercise during the two experimental conditions. [Lac-]B during recovery was reduced with the use of upper-body compression garments at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min of recovery (P<0.05).
 Conclusion:
 These data are consistent with the notion that compression garments can accelerate lactate removal during recovery from intense exercise.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on prolonged running performance and recovery in trained runners

Background: While the effects of sodium bicarbonate on buffering capacity have been repeatedly examined on short-term and high-intensity exercise performance, studies on prolonged endurance performances such as running are scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of NaHCO? (0.3 g/kgBW) ingestion 60-minutes prior to the prolonged running testing and recovery in trained runners.Methods: A total of 10 trained male runners (age: 20.70±1.10 years; weight: 61.30±6.20 kg; height: 166.10±3.70 cm; VO2max 58.43±5.62 mL/kg/min) were recruited in this study. Subjects undertook 1 preliminary testing and 2 experimental trials: Sodium Bicarbonate (SB) and Placebo (PLA) trials, which consisted of: (i) a 60-minutes Prolonged Exercise Testing (PET) (30-minutes of constant speed run at 65 % of VO2max followed by a self-selected speed of 30-minutes maximum distance run) and (ii) 30-minutes of the recovery period in randomized order. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 for Windows.Results: Subjects ran further during the SB trial than the PLA trial (5,233.60±524.70 m vs. 5,021.40±440.10 m; p=0.012) associated with a greater blood lactate level (5.66±1.09 mmol/L vs. 3.68±0.71 mmol/L). Ingestion of SB drinks significantly increased urine pH during PET and recovery period (p<0.01). During post-recovery, a greater decrease in blood lactate level was found in the SB trial (2.53±0.91 mmol/L; 55%) as compared to the PLA trial (2.17±0.50 mmol/L; 41%) (p<0.01).Conclusion: The ingestion of NaHCO?(0.30 g/kgBW) 60-minutes prior to the PET improved prolonged running performance associated with a faster lactate removal rate during the 30-minutes recovery period.

Lactate ions induce synaptic plasticity to enhance output from the central respiratory network.

Lactate ion sensing has emerged as a process that regulates ventilation during metabolic challenges. Most work has focused on peripheral sensing of lactate for the control of breathing. However, lactate also rises in the central nervous system (CNS) during disturbances to blood gas homeostasis and exercise. Using an amphibian model, we recently showed that lactate ions, independently of pH and pyruvate metabolism, act directly in the brainstem to increase respiratory-related motor outflow. This response had a long washout time and corresponded with potentiated excitatory synaptic strength of respiratory motoneurons. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that lactate ions enhance respiratory output using cellular mechanisms associated with long-term synaptic plasticity within motoneurons. In this study, we confirm that 2mM sodium lactate, but not sodium pyruvate, increases respiratory motor output in brainstem-spinal cord preparations, persisting for 2h upon the removal of lactate. Lactate also led to prolonged increases in the amplitude of AMPA-glutamate receptor (AMPAR) currents in individual motoneurons from brainstem slices. Both motor facilitation and AMPAR potentiation by lactate required classic effectors of synaptic plasticity, L-type Ca2+ channels and NMDA receptors, as part of the transduction process but did not correspond with increased expression of immediate-early genes often associated with activity-dependent neuronal plasticity. Altogether these results show that lactate ions enhance respiratory motor output by inducing conserved mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and suggest a new mechanism that may contribute to coupling ventilation to metabolic demands in vertebrates. KEY POINTS: Lactate ions, independently of pH and metabolism, induce long-term increases in respiratory-related motor outflow in American bullfrogs. Lactate triggers a persistent increase in strength of AMPA-glutamatergic synapses onto respiratory motor neurons. Long-term plasticity of motor output and synaptic strength by lactate involves L-type Ca2+ channels and NMDA-receptors as part of the transduction process. Enhanced AMPA receptor function in response to lactate in the intact network is causal for motor plasticity. In sum, well-conserved synaptic plasticity mechanisms couple the brainstem lactate ion concentration to respiratory motor drive in vertebrates.