Muscle glycogen availability and temperature regulation in humans

The effects of intramuscular glycogen availability on human temperature regulation were studied in eight seminude subjects immersed in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. Each subject was immersed three times over a 3-wk period. Each immersion followed 2.5 days of a specific dietary and/or exercise regimen designed to elicit low (L), normal (N), or high (H) glycogen levels in large skeletal muscle groups. Muscle glycogen concentration was determined in biopsies taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and after each immersion. Intramuscular glycogen concentration before the immersion was significantly different among the L, N, and H trials (P less than 0.01), averaging 247 +/- 15, 406 +/- 23, and 548 +/- 42 (SE) mmol glucose units.kg dry muscle-1, respectively. The calculated metabolic heat production during the first 30 min of immersion was significantly lower during L compared with N or H (P less than 0.05). The rate at which Tre decreased was more rapid during the L immersion than either N or H (P less than 0.05), and the time during the immersion at which Tre first began to decrease also appeared sooner during L than N or H. The results suggest that low skeletal muscle glycogen levels are associated with more rapid body cooling during water immersion in humans. Higher than normal muscle glycogen levels, however, do not increase cold tolerance.

Muscle glycogen utilization during shivering thermogenesis in humans

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the importance of skeletal muscle glycogen as a fuel for shivering thermogenesis in humans during cold-water immersion. Fourteen seminude subjects were immersed to the shoulders in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle and venous blood samples were obtained before and immediately after the immersion. Metabolic rate increased during the immersion to 3.5 +/- 0.3 (SE) times resting values, whereas Tre decreased by 0.9 degrees C to approximately 35.8 degrees C at the end of the immersion. Intramuscular glycogen concentration in the vastus lateralis decreased from 410 +/- 15 to 332 +/- 18 mmol glucose/kg dry muscle, with each subject showing a decrease (P less than 0.001). Plasma volume decreased (P less than 0.001) markedly during the immersion (-24 +/- 1%). After correcting for this decrease, blood lactate and plasma glycerol levels increased by 60 (P less than 0.05) and 38% (P less than 0.01), respectively, whereas plasma glucose levels were reduced by 20% after the immersion (P less than 0.001). The mean expiratory exchange ratio showed a biphasic pattern, increasing initially during the first 30 min of the immersion from 0.80 +/- 0.06 to 0.85 +/- 0.05 (P less than 0.01) and decreasing thereafter toward basal values. The results demonstrate clearly that intramuscular glycogen reserves are used as a metabolic substrate to fuel intensive thermogenic shivering activity of human skeletal muscle.

Two fetal antigens (FA-1 and FA-2) and endometrial proteins (PP12 and PP14) isolated from amniotic fluid; preliminary observations in fetal and maternal tissues

Rabbit antihuman antibodies were derived by the injection of fractions of second trimester amniotic fluid known to contain proteins of endometrial/decidual origin. Using standard separation and absorption procedures, two antibody preparations were generated which demonstrated specificities against two and three proteins, respectively, in line immunoelectrophoresis and crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Analysis against proteins of fetal, maternal, endometrial and placental origin revealed that the bispecific antiserum reacted only with placental protein 14 (PP14; also known as progestagen-dependent endometrial protein, PEP) and one other hitherto undescribed antigen referred to as Fetal Antigen 1 (FA-1) molecular mass 60 kDa; electrophoretic mobility: slow; alpha 1-alpha 2; fast, albumin. The trispecific antiserum demonstrated specifities against placental protein 12 (PP12), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and another previously undescribed antigen referred to as Fetal Antigen 2 (FA-2) molecular mass 35 and 140 kDa; electrophoretic mobility: albumin. Following purification, monospecific antisera against each of these proteins (with the exception of AFP) were derived in new rabbits. Maternal and fetal blood, amniotic fluid and aqueous extracts from endometrial/decidual and placental tissues were analysed in rocket immunoelectrophoresis using these antisera to examine the distribution in these tissues. The analyses demonstrated a pattern of distribution typical for proteins of endometrial/decidual origin in these compartments in the case of PP12 and PP14, but suggested that the primary source of origin of FA-1 and FA-2 may be the fetus.

Acute altitude exposure and altered acid-base states. I. Effects on the exercise ventilation and blood lactate responses

This study examined the influence of acute altitude (AL) exposure alone or in combination with metabolic acid-base manipulations on the exercise ventilatory and blood lactate responses. Four subjects performed a 4 min, 30 W incremental test to exhaustion at ground level (GL) and a 4 min, 20 W incremental test during three acute exposures to a simulated altitude of 4200 m; (i) normal (NAL), (ii) following 0.2 g.kg-1 ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (BAL), and (iii) following 0.5 g.day-1 ingestion of acetazolamide for 2 days prior to exposure (AAL). VE.VO2-1 increased progressively throughout the incremental tests at AL and the minimum value was not related to a change in the blood lactate response. In contrast, the VE.VCO2-1 decreased initially to reach a minimum value at the same power output for each altitude trial and was related to a lactate threshold defined by a log-log transformation (r = 0.78). This transformation of the blood lactate data was not influenced by the altered acid-base states. The relative exercise intensity corresponding to both a delta lactate of 1 mM and an absolute lactate of 4 mM was significantly increased during the AAL (79.9 +/- 12.9 and 93.9 +/- 13.7% VO2max, respectively) compared with NAL (59.1 +/- 5.5 and 78.0 +/- 5.8% VO2max, respectively). These data suggest that strong relationships exist between the ventilatory and blood lactate response during AL exposure and altered acid-base states. Further, it is concluded that, unless the acid-base status is known, the use of an absolute or delta lactate value to compare submaximal exercise should be interpreted with caution.

Acute altitude exposure and altered acid-base states. II. Effects on exercise performance and muscle and blood lactate

This study examined the influence of the respiratory alkalosis of acute altitude (AL) exposure alone or in combination with metabolic acid-base manipulations on exercise performance and muscle and blood lactate accumulation. Four subjects exercised for 10 min at 50% and 75% and to exhaustion at 90% of ground level (GL) VO2max, and at the same relative exercise intensities during three exposures to a simulated altitude of 4200 m; (i) normal (NAL), (ii) following 0.2 g.kg-1 ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (BAL), and (iii) following 0.5 g.day-1 ingestion of acetazolamide for 2 days prior to exposure (AAL). Muscle and blood lactate values were similar throughout exercise for GL and NAL. Although muscle lactates were similar among AL conditions blood lactate was reduced for AAL and increased following exhaustive exercise for BAL compared with NAL. Time to exhaustion at 90% VO2max was increased for NAL (10.4 +/- 1.6 min) compared with GL (7.1 +/- 0.2 min). Performance time was decreased for AAL (6.3 +/- 2.8 min) compared with NAL and BAL (12.4 +/- 4.2 min). These data suggest that the induced respiratory alkalosis of acute AL exposure may enhance exercise performance at high relative intensities. In contrast, the ingestion of acetazolamide before AL exposure would have detrimental effects on performance. The mechanism responsible for these changes may relate to the possible influence of altered extracellular acid-base states on intracellular hydrogen ion accumulation and lactate release.

Multimodal approach to screening for ovarian cancer

1010 postmenopausal women were recruited for an ovarian cancer screening programme incorporating serum CA-125 measurement and vaginal examination as initial tests and real-time ultrasonography as a secondary procedure in selected cases. The normal range for serum CA-125 in postmenopausal women was established. The specificity for ovarian cancer of serum CA-125 measurement and vaginal examination were 97.0% and 97.3%, respectively. The combinations of serum CA-125 measurement with ultrasound and vaginal examination with ultrasound achieved specificities of 99.8% and 99.0%, respectively. 100% specificity was achieved by serum CA-125 measurement with vaginal examination and by the combination of all three tests. The findings indicate that no individual screening test has acceptable specificity for ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. However, the combination of CA-125 measurement with ultrasound did achieve acceptable specificity and offers the most hope of a specific and sensitive method for early detection.

Comparison of isokinetic and isoinertial lifting tests as predictors of maximal lifting capacity

This study compared the relationship between isokinetic lifting test (ILT) performance and a maximal operational lifting test (OLT) with that between an isoinertial progressive lifting test (PLT) and OLT. Fifty subjects performed the ILT, PLT and OLT after familiarization trials. OLT was defined as the weight of the heaviest crate that could be lifted to 1.34 m with a progressive, incremental test. ILT performance was the force generated during a single maximal simulated lift on an isokinetic dynamometer. PLT performance was the maximal weight lifted to 1.52 m with a progressive, incremental protocol on a weight stack. OLT was highly correlated with ILT (r = 0.96) and PLT (r = 0.97); the standard error was similar for both linear regression equations. The results demonstrate that a single maximal voluntary lift on an isokinetic dynamometer is as good a predictor of OLT as in the PLT presently used in military recruit centers.

Prophylactic oophorectomy

There are no generally accepted criteria for the removal or conservation of the apparently normal ovary during surgery for other conditions. In this article the benefits and disadvantages of prophylactic oophorectomy are reviewed and a schema for clinical practice is suggested.

Sprint training effects on muscle myoglobin, enzymes, fiber types, and blood lactate

The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in intra-muscular myoglobin concentration accompany histochemical and enzymatic adaptations to supra-maximal exercise training. Subjects were assigned to either a training group (N = 11), who trained 2 to 3 times weekly for 6 wk, or a control group (N = 6). Training progressed from two 15-s and two 30-s "all-out" sprints on a cycle ergometer during week 1 to six 15-s and six 30-s bouts per session during week 6. The Wingate test was performed before and after the 6 wk, but performance variables were not changed in either group. In the training group, peak lactate after the Wingate test was significantly higher after training. No significant changes in enzyme activities, myoglobin concentration, or fiber-type frequency were observed in the control group. In contrast, in the training group, the percent fast twitch oxidative fibers increased, myoglobin decreased, and both citrate synthase and phosphofructokinase activities increased (P less than 0.05). The results suggest that muscle myoglobin concentration is not increased by 6 wk of supra-maximal exercise training and that such training induces cellular adaptations without accompanying performance changes. Alternatively, the Wingate test is not a sensitive test of adaptations to the training.

Effects of hydraulic resistance circuit training on physical fitness components of potential relevance to +Gz tolerance

Recent studies carried out in the United States and Sweden have demonstrated that strength training can improve +Gz acceleration tolerance. Based on these findings, the Canadian Forces have introduced a training program for aircrew of high performance aircraft. This report describes the changes in physical fitness components considered relevant to +Gz tolerance after 12 weeks of training with this program. Prior to beginning training, 45 military personnel were tested, but only 20 completed a minimum of 24 training sessions. The following variables were measured in these 20 subjects before and after training: maximal strength of several large muscle groups during isokinetic contractions, maximal aerobic power and an endurance fitness index, maximal anaerobic power, anthropometric characteristics, and maximal expiratory pressure generated during exhalation. Training involved hydraulic resistance circuit training 2-4 times/week. The circuit consisted of 3 consecutive sets at each of 8 stations using Hydra-Gym equipment. The exercise:rest ratio was 20:40 s for the initial 4 training weeks and was then changed to 30:50. After training the changes in anthropometric measurements suggested that lean body mass was increased. Small, but significant, increases were also measured in muscle strength during bench press, biceps curls, squats, knee extension, and knee flexion. Neither maximal anaerobic power (i.e. muscular endurance) nor maximal expiratory pressure were changed after the training. Indices of endurance fitness were also increased in the present study. The relatively small increases in strength are probably due to the design of the exercise:rest ratio which resulted in improved strength and aerobic fitness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sprint training effects on muscle myoglobin, enzymes, fiber types, and blood lactate

The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in intra-muscular myoglobin concentration accompany histochemical and enzymatic adaptations to supra-maximal exercise training. Subjects were assigned to either a training group (N = 11), who trained 2 to 3 times weekly for 6 wk, or a control group (N = 6). Training progressed from two 15-s and two 30-s "all-out" sprints on a cycle ergometer during week 1 to six 15-s and six 30-s bouts per session during week 6. The Wingate test was performed before and after the 6 wk, but performance variables were not changed in either group. In the training group, peak lactate after the Wingate test was significantly higher after training. No significant changes in enzyme activities, myoglobin concentration, or fiber-type frequency were observed in the control group. In contrast, in the training group, the percent fast twitch oxidative fibers increased, myoglobin decreased, and both citrate synthase and phosphofructokinase activities increased (P less than 0.05). The results suggest that muscle myoglobin concentration is not increased by 6 wk of supra-maximal exercise training and that such training induces cellular adaptations without accompanying performance changes. Alternatively, the Wingate test is not a sensitive test of adaptations to the training.

Potential nephrotoxic effects of exposure to silver

A cross sectional study was conducted on workers engaged in manufacturing precious metal powder. Of the 27 workers, 96% had raised urine silver concentrations (range 0.5-52.0 micrograms/l, mean 11.3 micrograms/l) and 92% had raised blood silver concentrations (range 0.05-6.2 micrograms/100 ml, mean 1.0 microgram/100 ml). Nineteen per cent also had raised urine cadmium concentrations (range 1.9-76.0 micrograms/l, mean 11.8 micrograms/l). Most workers had symptoms of respiratory irritation and nose bleeds were reported in eight (30%) of the 27 workers. Deposition of silver in the cornea of the eye was detected in five of eight (63%) of the long term workers. Although not statistically significant, corneal deposition was associated with complaints of decreased night vision. The urinary enzyme N-acetyl-B-D glucosaminidase (NAG) was significantly raised in four individuals and was correlated with blood silver concentrations and age. In addition, the group's average NAG concentration was significantly higher than that found in a control population. No association between age and urinary NAG was found in the control group. Estimated creatinine clearance was also significantly lower in the group exposed to silver than in the control group. Kidney function appears to have been adversely affected by exposures at work but because of the exposure to cadmium the role of silver in causing the decrement in kidney function could not be definitely determined.

Electro-mechanical response times and rate of force development in males and females

Muscle force development is influenced by both central (pre-motor end plate) and peripheral (post-motor end plate) components. Conflicting results are available concerning gender-related differences in the central component. This study compared males and females with regard to the following electro-mechanical response variables: total reaction time, pre-motor time, electro-mechanical delay, and the rate of force development during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of the elbow flexors. Forty-six males and 40 females performed MVCs against a bar attached to a force transducer. Subjects were instructed to attempt to flex the elbow with maximal force as rapidly as possible after perceiving a visual stimulus. Surface electromyographic activity was recorded from the biceps brachii and was sampled simultaneously with the force transducer data at 2 kHz and stored digitally. For data analyses the subjects were separated into four groups based on the force generated during the MVC: weak females, weak males, strong females, and strong males. Neither total reaction time nor pre-motor time was significantly different across groups. The electro-mechanical delay for both male groups was significantly shorter than for both female groups. Electro-mechanical delay was weakly, but significantly, correlated with rate of force development and maximum force. During a single MVC the times required to attain 25, 50, 75, and 100% MVC were similar in all groups. The results suggest that at least part of the gender difference in maximum strength may be due to differences in electro-mechanical response times.

Blood lactate. Implications for training and sports performance

The blood lactate response to exercise has interested physiologists for over fifty years, but has more recently become as routine a variable to measure in many exercise laboratories as is heart rate. This rising popularity is probably due to: the ease of sampling and improved accuracy afforded by recently developed micro-assay methods and/or automated lactate analysers; and the predictive and evaluative power associated with the lactate response to exercise. Several studies suggest that the strong relationship between exercise performance and lactate-related variables can be attributed to a reflection by lactate during exercise of not only the functional capacity of the central circulatory apparati to transport oxygen to exercising muscles, but also the peripheral capacity of the musculature to utilise this oxygen. For example, several studies contrast the relationship between VO2max and endurance running performance with that between a lactate variable and the same running performance. In every study, the lactate variable is more highly correlated with performance. Similarly, prescribing training intensity as a function of the lactate concentration elicited by the training may prove to be a means of obtaining a more homogeneous adaptation to training in a group of athletes or subjects than is obtained by setting intensity as a function of maximal heart rate or % VO2max. A review of the recent literature shows that the lactate response to supramaximal exercise is a sensitive indicator of adaptation to 'sprint training' and is correlated with supramaximal exercise performance. This review also describes the possible applications of lactate measurements to enhance the rate of recovery from high intensity exercise. Although the lactate response to exercise is reproducible under standardised conditions it can be influenced by the site of blood sampling, ambient temperature, changes in the body's acid-base balance prior to exercise, prior exercise, dietary manipulations, or pharmacological interpretation.

Blood lactate vs. exhaustive exercise to evaluate aerobic fitness

This study compared the predictive power of a lactate-related index determined during submaximal cycle exercise to that of an exhaustive cycle ergometer test for evaluating the endurance exercise capacity of soldiers. The subjects (n = 48 males) performed a continuous exercise test to voluntary exhaustion on the cycle ergometer. Power output (PO) increased by 50 W steps each fourth min, with determinations of heart rate (HR), RPE and blood lactate concentrations (HLa) just prior to each PO increase. The PO at a 4 mmol L(-1) HLa concentration (WOBLA) was interpolated; based on the time to exhaustion the maximal PO that could be maintained for 6 min (Wmax6) was calculated from previously documented formulae. Subjects were timed during a 3000 m cross-country run. Both the cycle test and the run were performed again 3 months later, as was an additional 3000 m run with full military equipment weighing about 21 kg. All 3000 m times were significantly correlated (p less than 0.05) with both Wmax6 and WOBLA; similar predictive power was demonstrated for both Wmax6 and WOBLA, suggesting that accuracy in evaluation would not be sacrificed by substituting the submaximal for the exhaustive exercise test. HR and RPE-related indices showed markedly lower predictive power. The results extend the previously documented relationship between HLa during treadmill ergometry and running performance to include the use of cycle ergometry for the evaluation of running performance. The results also proved applicable to running performance while load carrying.

Relationship of ergometer-specific VO2 max and muscle enzymes to blood lactate during submaximal exercise

This study compared the relationship of maximum oxygen uptake and skeletal muscle enzyme activities to the submaximal exercise intensity eliciting 4 mM blood lactate (OBLA). Twelve subjects performed both cycle (Cy) and treadmill (Tr) submaximal exercise with step-wise increments each fourth minute. Blood lactate concentration and oxygen uptake (VO2) were determined during the final minute of each step. Peak VO2 during exhaustive exercise was also measured on each ergometer. Biopsies were taken from the gastrocnemius (gast) and vastus lateralis (vl) muscles as representatives of muscles recruited during Tr and Cy exercise, respectively. Citrate synthase (CS), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were assayed. Peak VO2 was 10% greater and the VO2 at OBLA was 16% greater during Tr compared to Cy exercise. The percent of peak VO2 at OBLA was 85% and 79% for Tr and Cy exercise, respectively. The absolute enzyme activities were not different in the two muscles, however the ratio LDH/CS was greater in the vl than in the gast. The results indicate that the absolute differences between Cy and Tr exercise in peak VO2 are not commensurate with the differences in the relative exercise intensity at which OBLA occurs.

Muscle glycogen depletion during exercise at 9 degrees C and 21 degrees C

This study compared glycogen depletion in active skeletal muscle after light and moderate exercise in both cold and comfortable ambient conditions. Twelve male subjects (Ss) were divided into two groups equally matched for the submaximal exercise intensity corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mM (W4) during cycle exercise. On two separate days Ss rested for 30 min at ambient temperatures of either 9 degrees C or 21 degrees C, with the order of temperature exposure being counter-balanced among Ss. Following rest a tissue specimen was obtained from the m. vastus lateralis with the needle biopsy technique. Six Ss then exercised on a cycle ergometer for 30 min at 30% W4 (range = 50 - 65 W) while the remaining group exercised at 60% W4 (range = 85 - 120 W). Another biopsy was taken immediately after exercise and both samples were assayed for glycogen content. Identical procedures were repeated for the second environmental exposure. No significant glycogen depletion was observed in the Ss exercising at 30% W4 in 21 degrees C, but a 23% decrease (p = 0.04) was observed when the same exercise was performed at 9 degrees C. A 22% decrease (p = 0.002) in glycogen occurred in the 60% W4 group at 21 degrees C, which was not significantly different from that observed during the same exercise at 9 degrees C. The results suggest that muscle substrate utilization is increased during light exercise in a cold environment as compared to similar exercise at a comfortable temperature, probably due to shivering thermogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of inspiratory resistive training on respiratory muscle function in patients with muscular dystrophy

The effects of inspiratory resistive training on respiratory muscle function was evaluated in 11 patients with Duchenne, limb-girdle, and facio-scapulo-humeral (FSH) type muscular dystrophy. Muscle training consisted of breathing against an inspiratory resistance for two 15-minute sessions each day while at home. Following 6 weeks of training, there were significant increases in the maximum resistance that could be tolerated for at least 5 minutes (P < 0.01) and also in the maximum duration that ventilations equal to 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of the maximum voluntary ventilation could be sustained (P < 0.05). In six patients who trained for an additional 6-week period, respiratory muscle endurance increased even further. The degree of improvement in respiratory muscle endurance was positively correlated with baseline vital capacity (r = 0.84, P < 0.05) and maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.76, P < 0.05). Spirometry, functional residual capacity, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were not affected by training. We conclude that inspiratory resistive training improves respiratory muscle endurance in muscular dystrophy patients. Improvement in respiratory muscle function may serve to delay the onset of respiratory complications in patients with muscular dystrophy.

Levobunolol vs timolol for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

A group of 162 patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were treated twice daily for up to 15 months with one of the following topical ophthalmic solutions: 0.5% levobunolol, 1% levobunolol, or 0.5% timolol. Overall mean reductions in intraocular pressure were 8 mm Hg for patients receiving 0.5% levobunolol or timolol and 8.2 mm Hg for patients receiving 1% levobunolol. There were no significant differences between levobunolol and timolol in mean reductions in intraocular pressure, percent of patients with adequately controlled intraocular pressure, or life-table estimates of the probability of successful treatment.

Lipoproteins, lipoprotein lipase, and glycogen after prolonged physical activity

The effect of strenuous exercise on lipoprotein level and composition as well as on lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) and glycogen stores in skeletal muscle was studied in 16 healthy young men after military field maneuvers. Body weight was reduced by 1 kg after the maneuvers and was gradually restored during a 5-day recovery phase. Glycogen levels were reduced by 50% and LPLA increased threefold immediately after the exercise, and neither were restored until 3-5 days of recovery. Serum triglycerides were decreased by about 50% after 1 day of recovery and the cholesterol concentration in high-density lipoproteins increased but only immediately after exercise. In contrast, the apolipoproteins A-I and A-II, the main protein constituents, were both decreased and remained so for 3-5 days. The results indicate that significant alterations of plasma lipoprotein level and composition as well as of muscle metabolism occur after prolonged physical exertion and that some changes are still evident after 5 days of recovery.

Effects of endurance fitness on responses to cold water immersion

The purpose of this study was to determine if the changes in selected blood hormones and substrates, metabolic rate, and rectal temperature (Tre) in nine males after immersion in 10 degrees C water, while clad in standard flight suits, were related to the level of aerobic fitness. Fitness was evaluated by the blood lactate response to submaximal exercise. Immersion time (IT) was defined as the time required for a 1 degrees C decrease in Tre and averaged 38.5 (range: 21-62) min. Metabolic rate increased 3.4 times the resting rate. Lactate, free fatty acids, triiodothyronine and thyroxine increased by 81%, 38%, 11%, and 8%, respectively, in contrast to insulin which decreased by 32%, with all changes being statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Glucagon increased slightly but not significantly (p = 0.11) while glucose levels did not change. The IT was correlated directly with a measure of aerobic fitness, with relative body fat, and with the T3 levels postimmersion (p less than 0.05). The results suggest that the aerobic fitness level can significantly influence the cooling rate during water immersion.

Exaggerated systolic blood pressure response to exercise in a water polo team

Twenty-three top-level water polo players (WP) were examined for blood pressure (BP) response to graded and continuous cycle ergometry. Testing also included resting muscle biopsy for fiber typing, exercise ECG recording for heart rate (HR), exercise concentrations of blood lactate (LA), measured VO2max, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). A control group (C), whose subjects were physically active in endurance sports, but were older and less fit than the experimental subjects, was tested by an identical protocol. The BP response to exercise was significantly higher in the WP group at all comparison criteria including onset of blood lactate accumulation, absolute HR, percent of HRmax, and power loads (including loadless pedaling). To date, we are unaware of other reports on whole groups of sportsmen showing an exaggerated BP response to exercise. While it would appear from previous studies that normotensive individuals showing such a response are at a greater risk of developing hypertension, the significance of this BP response in highly-trained athletes in a specific sport remains unclear.

Muscle glycogen in soldiers on different diets during military field manoeuvres

Severe skeletal muscle glycogen depletion has been previously reported for soldiers participating in field exercises. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the distribution of amplified food rations would reduce the extent of glycogen depletion during military field manoeuvres. Needle biopsy samples were obtained from the m. vastus lateralis of soldiers both before and immediately after their participation in 4.5 d of field exercises. Eight soldiers received normal rations while a second group of eight soldiers received rations which were amplified in both caloric value and the proportion of carbohydrates. Intramuscular glycogen concentrations before and after the manoeuvres averaged 120 and 55 mmol glucose units . kg-1, respectively. The group which received amplified rations did not exhibit glycogen levels significantly different from those using normal rations.

Influence of lactate accumulation of EMG frequency spectrum during repeated concentric contractions

One hundred and twenty consecutive maximal leg extensions at a constant angular velocity of 1.5 radians . s-1 were performed by nine physical education students. Integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity and power spectrum density function (PSDF) of the EMG were recorded from m. vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and m. rectus femoris using bipolar surface electrodes. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis before and after exercise. Tissue samples were analyzed for muscle fiber type distribution and lactate and glycogen concentration. Muscle force and IEMG decreased in parallel over the exercise period. Thus, the IEMG/force ratio was unchanged. Mean power frequency (MPF) of PSDF of the three nucleus decreased by 10% (p less than 0.001) during the initial 25 contractions with no further decline during the latter part of exercise. The relative contribution of the highest bandwidth (130-500 Hz) of the PSDF decreased (p less than 0.001) between the first and final contractions. Muscle glycogen concentration decreased from 85 +/- 23 to 68 +/- 22 mmol . kg-1 w.w. during the exercise. Muscle and blood lactate concentration averaged 12.1 +/- 8.8 mmol . kg-1 w.w. and 3.8 +/- 0.8 mmol . l-1, respectively. The relative changes in MPF and in the highest bandwidth were correlated with muscle lactate concentration and fiber type distribution: in individuals with a high proportion of fast twitch muscle fibres and/or the greatest lactate accumulation, MPF and high frequency components of EMG PSDF decreased most markedly. Reductions in muscle force and IEMG are suggested to be partly due to a decreased motor neuron firing rate. It is discussed whether lactate or associated metabolic changes are influencing the motor unit action potential through feedback processes.

Lactate in human skeletal muscle after 10 and 30 s of supramaximal exercise

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of anaerobic glycogenolysis, as indicated by intramuscular lactate concentration, after 10 and 30 s of supramaximal exercise and to compare male and female subjects in this regard. Fifteen males and seven females performed two cycle exercise bouts against a resistance which was standardized so that one pedal revolution resulted in 4.90 J work X kg body wt-1. A muscle biopsy was obtained after 10- and 30-s exercise bouts and analyzed for lactate concentration. The lactate concentrations averaged 36 and 61 mmol X kg dry wt-1 after the 10- and 30-s exercise bouts, respectively. The male subjects had higher (P less than 0.005) lactate concentrations and generated higher (P less than 0.001) power outputs for both exercise bouts. When the mean lactate concentrations were statistically adjusted after controlling for between-group variation in power output, no difference was evident between groups for the 10- or the 30-s lactate value. The results are evidence that pronounced lactate accumulation occurs during supramaximal exercise of a 10-s duration, suggesting that glycolysis can occur within this time frame. This is in contrast to the theory that glycolysis does not occur until endogenous phosphagen levels reach some critically low value, not thought to be obtainable within the first 10 s of supramaximal exercise.

Semi-automatic blood lactate assay: experiences from an exercise laboratory

A semi-automatic system based on flow injection analysis (FIA) for the transportation of small sample aliquots has been combined with fluorometric, enzymatic methods for blood lactate determination and has been described earlier. In the present study duplicate blood samples were obtained from exercising subjects to enable a comparison of lactate concentrations between neutralized and non-neutralized samples. Duplicate samples were also obtained to enable FIA lactate values to be compared to those obtained with a manual enzymatic method, and with a colorimetric method. No significant change was observed if the sample was not neutralized, enabling a more rapid sample turnover. The FIA method was reliable, with a coefficient of variation of 4.9% between duplicate blood samples. FIA lactate values were valid when compared to two other manual assays. FIA has been shown to be a rapid (60 samples x h-1) means of accurately determining blood lactate concentrations with 25 microliter blood samples and is of particular relevance to the exercise laboratory.

Decrease of lipoprotein lipase activity in skeletal muscle in man during a short-term carbohydrate-rich dietary regime. With special reference to HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein and insulin concentrations

Seven men took part in a study in which the diet was changed from an ordinary mixed one to a fat-rich diet [greater than 70% energy (E)] for 3 days followed by a carbohydrate-rich diet (greater than 70% E) for 3 days. Blood was drawn and muscle biopsies [for analysis of lipoprotein-lipase (LPL) activity] were taken before the study and at the end of each diet period. Insulin, apolipoprotein (apo) B, A-I and A-II, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were determined in serum and the lipids also in the high density lipoproteins (HDL). Serum insulin was higher (p less than 0.01) during the carbohydrate-rich diet than during the fat-rich diet (12.0 +/- 0.9 vs. 7.5 +/- 0.5 microunits/l, mean +/- SEM), as were serum-triglycerides (2.42 +/- 0.27 vs. 0.98 +/- 0.07 mmole/1, p less than 0.001). Muscle LPL activity, on the other hand, was lower (p less than 0.01), 27.3 +/- 6.1 vs. 75.1 +/- 13.2 microunits/g. HDL-cholesterol was 1.22 +/- 0.08 during the carbohydrate-rich diet which was lower (p less than 0.01) than during the fat-rich diet, 1.45 +/- 0.11. The concentration of apo A-I and A-II did not vary significantly. It is suggested that the increased insulin concentrations during a short-term, carbohydrate-rich diet may have a down-regulating effect on muscle LPL activity. Low muscle LPL activity may account for part of the elevation of serum triglycerides. An ineffective hydrolysis of VLDL-triglycerides may contribute to the variation in HDL-cholesterol concentration seen under these circumstances.

Changes in onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) and muscle enzymes after training at OBLA

Eight well-trained middle and long distance male runners added to their regular training program a weekly 20-min treadmill run at a velocity calculated to elicit a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol X 1-1. VO2 max, the running velocity eliciting 4 mmol X 1-1 blood lactate (VOBLA), and the activities of citrate synthase (CS), phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and LDH isozymes in the M. vastus lateralis were determined before and after 14 weeks of this training. Significant increases were observed in VOBLA and the relative fraction of heart-specific LDH, while the activity of PFK and the ratio of PFK/CS decreased after training. The change in VOBLA was negatively correlated to the mean rate of blood lactate accumulation during the last 15 min of the treadmill training runs, and positively correlated to the percentage of slow twitch fibers in the M. vastus lateralis. The data support the hypothesis that a steady state training intensity which approximates VOBLA will increase VOBLA, and will result in measureable local metabolic adaptations in the active skeletal muscles of well-trained runners without a significant change in maximal aerobic power. Muscle fiber type composition may be an indicator of the "trainability" of the musculature.

Dietary effects on glycogen and lipoprotein lipase activity in skeletal muscle in man

The influence of short-term adaptation to a fat and protein enriched diet (F + P) and a carbohydrate enriched diet (CHO) on skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and muscle glycogen levels was evaluated in 7 males. Muscle biopsies were taken from the m. vastus lateralis after an uncontrolled, mixed diet (M), after a 3 day F + P) diet preceded by intense exercise, and after a 3 day CHO diet. After the F + P diet glycogen concentration was 55% that of the M diet while LPL activity increased by 21% (n.s.). After the CHO diet glycogen levels increased by 82% and LPL activity decreased by 55% compared to the M diet (p less than 0.01). The changes in LPL after the CHO diet were related to the changes in glycogen concentration (r = 0.98, p less than 0.01). LPL activity in the control situation was directly related to percent slow twitch (ST) muscle fibre type (r = 0.95, p less than 0.01). The results suggest that the uptake of fat from the circulation may be actively regulated by the muscle as a function of intramuscular substrate availability and that this regulation may be related to muscle fibre type composition.

Muscle glycogen and diet in elite soccer players

The top players in an elite soccer team volunteered as subjects in a study to determine intramuscular glycogen concentrations after a regular season match, and whether optimal glycogen levels could be re-attained prior to the team's next match. Fifteen players were biopsied in the M. vastus lateralis following a regular season game (Day I). Of these, eight were biopsied 24 h later in the evening of a free day during which no training session was held (Day II), and again 24 h later after a very light training session (Day III). Muscle glycogen concentrations for the eight players averaged (+/- SD) 45.9 +/- 7.9, 68.9 +/- 2.7, and 72.8 +/- 8.3 mmol glucose units x kg-1 wet muscle weight on Day I, Day II, and Day III respectively. Dietary records were analysed during a week of peak, season competition and training. The average daily total energy consumption and total quantity of carbohydrates consumed were less than what is normally consumed by athletes in similar sports. The inability of the players to maintain even normal, resting levels of muscle glycogen is probably related to their dietary practices.

Lactate in blood, mixed skeletal muscle, and FT or ST fibres during cycle exercise in man

The relationship between muscle and blood lactate levels during progressively step-wise incrementing cycle exercise has been investigated in 10 male subjects. Steps between power outputs during exercise were 50 W and each stage, from loadless pedalling until voluntary exhaustion, lasted 4 min. Blood samples and biopsies (m. vastus lateralis) were taken for lactate determination at each power output beginning with the exercise intensity perceived by the subject as being "rather moderate". The ratio muscle:blood lactate was greater than one at all power outputs and increased most markedly at the power output closest to that eliciting 4 mmol x 1(-1) blood lactate (WOBLA). At WOBLA, blood lactate was positively correlated to muscle lactate concentrations which covaried widely among subjects (mean 8.3, range 4.5-14.4 mmol x kg-1 wet weight). Muscles fibres from the WOBLA biopsy in 6 subjects were dissected out and identified as fast twitch (FT) or slow twitch (ST). No significant difference in lactate concentration was observed between pools of FT or ST fibres.

Changes in muscle metabolites in females with 30-s exhaustive exercise

The purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in selected intramuscular metabolites associated with non-oxidative energy metabolism after performance of the Wingate Test (WT), a widely used, exhaustive, 30-s cycle test of short-time muscular power. Muscle biopsies were taken from the m. vastus lateralis of nine female physical education students at rest and immediately after performance of the WT. The concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate (CP), lactate, and glycogen were determined. The ATP decreased from 20.9 to 13.8; CP decreased from 62.7 to 25.1; lactate increased from 9.0 to 60.5; and glycogen decreased from 360 to 278 (all concentrations are mmol X kg-1 dry muscle). The absolute changes in CP and lactate were not as large as those reported in other exercise studies. Based on the metabolite changes, it was concluded that the WT is a satisfactory test of the maximal muscular power that can be generated from non-oxidative metabolism, but that the 30-s duration of the test probably does not tax the maximal capacity of such energy metabolism.

Onset of blood lactate accumulation and enzyme activities in m. vastus lateralis in man

In an earlier study, we reported close relationships between marathon running performance and the running velocity (V) at which the "onset of blood lactate accumulation" (VOBLA) occurs in a group of marathon runners. Using biopsy material from the m. vastus lateralis of the same subjects (n = 19), we have evaluated the relationship of VOBLA to different muscle enzyme activities together with muscle fiber composition and capillary density in the present study. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH EC 1.1.1.27), phosphofructokinase (PFK EC 2.7.1.11), and citrate synthase (CS EC 4.1.3.7) were determined. VOBLA was negatively correlated to LDH (r = -0.54) and PFK/CS (r = -0.68). Using multiple regression analysis, the PFK/CS ratio together with the capillary density accounted for 61% of the variation in VOBLA. Absolute training kilometrage was the most significant variable measured and accounted for 77% of the variation in VOBLA. Subjects were divided into elite runners (n = 6) and nonelite runners (n = 13) for an additional analysis of the relationship between VOBLA and the ratios of PFK/CS or LDH/CS. Significant relationships between VOBLA and the ratios were observed only in the nonelite runners (r = -0.77 and -0.66, respectively). The vertical distances between the regression lines for these two subject groups could not be explained only on the basis of the enzyme activity ratios. A greater adaptation to fat combustion in the elite runners might explain the disproportionally high VOBLA in relation to the PFK/CS or LDH/CS activity ratios.

Muscle strength and fatigue after selective glycogen depletion in human skeletal muscle fibers

Two groups of male subjects were studied to examine the effects of different exercise protocols on performance of an isokinetic, short-time strength test, the performance of which is related to fast twitch (FT) muscle fiber recruitment. The laboratory group (LG) (n = 10) cycled (30 min, 70% VO2 max), ran (75 min), and performed repeated bouts of "sprint" cycling and rapid, maximal contractions of the quadriceps. The marathon group (MG) (n = 7) participated in and completed Stockholm's Marathon 1979. A strength test was performed before and within 1-2 h after completion of the group exercise protocol. The m. vastus lateralis was biopsied and muscle fibers classified as slow twitch (ST) or FT. After periodic acid-Schiff staining fibers were qualitatively classified as to glycogen content. In LG significant glycogen depletion occurred in both fiber types and in MG predominantly ST fibers were exhausted of glycogen after the exercise protocol. The glycogen exhaustion from both fiber types in LG was associated with impaired maximal muscular strength produced during a single dynamic contraction, as well as with reduced muscle fatigue patterns. When glycogen exhaustion was induced in ST muscle fibers only in the MG, no impairment was observed for maximal muscular strength but fatigue during 50 consecutive contractions was significantly increased.

Lactate concentrations after short, maximal exercise at various glycogen levels

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of changes in glycogen concentrations on lactate accumulation in human skeletal muscle during a 1 min maximal muscle fatigue test (MFT). All subjects first performed the MFT during a control experiment. Four subjects then performed the MFT again 1 h after prolonged exercise. Seven other subjects performed the MFT again after a 3 day carbohydrate (CHO) poor diet and again after 4 additional days of a CHO rich diet. The m. vastus lateralis was biopsied prior to (for glycogen determinations) and immediately after (for lactate determinations) each performance of the MFT. High but similar lactate concentrations were observed (22.3 mmol x kg-1 w.w.) with normal and supernormal glycogen levels. Lactate was significantly reduced following both the prolonged exercise (to 7.0 mmol x kg-1 w.w.) and the CHO poor diet (to 16.8 mmol x kg-1 w.w.). Alterations in muscle strength and fatigue patterns were also observed from the dietary manipulations but they were neither commensurate with the changes in metabolite concentrations nor statistically significant.

Onset of blood lactate accumulation and marathon running performance

This study was designed to examine the interrelationships among endurance running performance (marathon), the exercise intensity at which the "onset of blood lactate accumulation" (OBLA) occurs training volume, and muscle fiber characteristics. In conjunction with Stockholm's Marathon (1979), 18 male subjects underwent a test to determine the relationship between treadmill running velocity and blood lactate accumulation. The velocity at which a blood lactate accumulation of 4 mmol x l-1 occurred was referred to as the VOBLA. The m. vastus lateralis was biopsied and muscle fiber type distribution (% slow twitch, ST) and capillary density determined. With marathon running velocity (VM) as the dependent variable, multiple regression analysis showed that VOBLA accounted for 92% of the variation in VM, and VOBLA plus training volume prior to the marathon accounted for 96% of this variation. All performance variables were positively correlated to % ST muscle fiber distribution (r = 0.55-0.69) and capillary density (r = 052-0.63). Thus, marathon running performance was closely related to VOBLA and to the ability to run at a pace close to that velocity during the race. These properties were in turn related to % ST, capillary density, and training volume.