Antibacterial and Hemolytic Activity of Antimicrobial Hydrogels Utilizing Immobilized Antimicrobial Peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are viewed as potential compounds for the treatment of bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the successful translation of AMPs into clinical applications has been impeded primarily due to their low stability in biological environments and potential toxicological concerns at higher concentrations. The covalent attachment of AMPs to a material's surface has been sought to improve their stability. However, it is still an open question what is required to best perform such an attachment and the role of the support. In this work, six different AMPs were covalently attached to a long-ranged ordered amphiphilic hydrogel, with their antibacterial efficacy evaluated and compared to their performance when free in solution. Among the tested AMPs were four different versions of synthetic end-tagged AMPs where the sequence was altered to change the cationic residue as well as to vary the degree of hydrophobicity. Two previously well-studied AMPs, Piscidin 1 and Omiganan, were also included as comparisons. The antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus remained largely consistent between free AMPs and those attached to surfaces. However, the activity pattern against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on hydrogel surfaces displayed a marked contrast to that observed in the solution. Additionally, all the AMPs showed varying degrees of hemolytic activity when in solution. This activity was entirely diminished, and all the AMPs were non-hemolytic when attached to the hydrogels.

Clinical investigation of use of an antimicrobial peptide hydrogel wound dressing on intact skin

A material with the ability to rapidly eradicate bacteria via a contact-killing mechanism has the benefit of a more localised treatment that is easy to implement when needed to prevent or treat a bacterial infection. Here, we present an antimicrobial material based on covalently attached antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to a soft amphiphilic hydrogel. This results in a material that exhibits an antimicrobial effect based on contact-killing. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of the AMP-hydrogel was investigated by observing the changes in total bioburden on the intact skin of healthy human volunteers when the AMP-hydrogel dressing was placed on the forearm for three hours. The AMP-hydrogel significantly reduced the bioburden on the skin from a mean value of 1200CFU/cm² for the untreated skin to 23CFU/cm². Biocompatibility evaluations of the AMP-hydrogel showed no sign of cytotoxicity, acute systemic toxicity, irritation or sensitisation, demonstrating the safety of the AMP-hydrogel as a potential wound dressing. Leachability studies confirmed no release of AMPs and that the antimicrobial effect was localised to the surface of the hydrogels, demonstrating a pure contact-killing mode of action.

Antimicrobial Peptide-Functionalized Mesoporous Hydrogels

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are seen as a promising replacement to conventional antibiotics for the prevention of skin wound infections. However, due to the short half-life of AMPs in biological environments, such as blood, their use in clinical applications has been limited. The covalent immobilization of AMPs onto suitable substrates is an effective solution to create contact-killing surfaces with increased long-term stability. In this work, an antimicrobial peptide, RRPRPRPRPWWWW-NH2 (RRP9W4N), was covalently attached to amphiphilic and ordered mesoporous Pluronic F127 hydrogels made of cross-linked lyotropic liquid crystals through 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry. The AMP-hydrogels showed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli for up to 24 h. Furthermore, the AMP-hydrogels did not present any toxicity to human fibroblasts. The AMPs retained their antimicrobial activity up to 48 h in human blood serum, which is a significant increase in stability compared to when used in dissolved state. A pilot in vivo rat model showed 10-100× less viable counts of S. aureus on AMP-hydrogels compared with control hydrogels during the first 3 days of infection. Studies performed on human whole blood showed that blood coagulated more readily in the presence of AMP-hydrogels as compared to hydrogels without AMPs, indicating potential hemostatic activity. Overall, the results suggest that the combination of amphiphilic hydrogels with covalently bonded AMPs has potential to be used as antibacterial wound dressing material to reduce infections and promote hemostatic activity as an alternative to antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents, whose use should be restricted.

Tough Ordered Mesoporous Elastomeric Biomaterials Formed at Ambient Conditions

Synthetic dry elastomers are randomly cross-linked polymeric networks with isotropic and unordered higher-level structural features. However, their growing use as soft-tissue biomaterials has demanded the need for an ordered and anisotropic nano-micro (or) mesoarchitecture, which is crucial for imparting specific properties such as hierarchical toughening, anisotropic mechanics, sustained drug delivery, and directed tissue growth. High processing cost, poor control in 3D, and compromised mechanical properties have made it difficult to synthesize tough and dry macroscopic elastomers with well-organized nano-microstructures. Inspired from biological design principles, we report a tough ordered mesoporous elastomer formed via bottom-up lyotropic self-assembly of noncytotoxic, polymerizable amphiphilic triblock copolymers and hydrophobic polymers. The elastomer is cross-linked using covalent cross-links and physical hydrophobic entanglements that are organized in a periodic manner at the nanoscale. This transforms into a well-ordered hexagonal arrangement of nanofibrils that are highly oriented at the micron scale, further organized as 3D macroscale objects. The ordered nano-microstructure and molecular multinetwork endows the elastomer with hierarchical toughening while possessing excellent stiffness and elongation comparable to engineering elastomers like silicone and vulcanized rubber. Processing of the elastomer is performed at ambient conditions using 3D printing and photo-cross-linking, which is fast and energy efficient and enables production of complex 3D objects with tailorable sub-millimeter features such as macroporosity. Furthermore, the periodic and amphiphilic nanostructure permits functionalization of the elastomer with secondary components such as inorganic nanoparticles or drug molecules, enabling complementary mechanical properties such as high stiffness and functional capabilities such as in localized drug delivery applications.

Sprint exercise enhances skeletal muscle p70S6k phosphorylation and more so in women than in men

AIM

Sprint exercise is characterized by repeated sessions of brief intermittent exercise at a high relative workload. However, little is known about the effect on mTOR pathway, an important link in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. An earlier training study showed a greater increase in muscle fibre cross-sectional area in women than men. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the activation of mTOR signalling is more pronounced in women than in men. Healthy men (n=9) and women (n=8) performed three bouts of 30-s sprint exercise with 20-min rest in between.

METHODS

Multiple blood samples were collected over time, and muscle biopsy specimens were obtained at rest and 140 min after the last sprint.

RESULTS

Serum insulin increased by sprint exercise and more so in women than in men [gender (g) × time (t)]: P=0.04. In skeletal muscle, phosphorylation of Akt increased by 50% (t, P=0.001) and mTOR by 120% (t, P=0.002) independent of gender. The elevation in p70S6k phosphorylation was larger in women (g × t, P=0.03) and averaged 230% (P=0.006) as compared to 60% in men (P=0.04). Phosphorylation rpS6 increased by 660% over time independent of gender (t, P=0.003). Increase in the phosphorylation of p70S6k was directly related to increase in serum insulin (r=0.68, P=0.004).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that repeated 30-s all-out bouts of sprint exercise separated by 20 min of rest increases Akt/mTOR signalling in skeletal muscle. Secondly, signalling downstream of mTOR was stronger in women than in men after sprint exercise indicated by the increased phosphorylation of p70S6k.

Enhanced rates of muscle protein synthesis and elevated mTOR signalling following endurance exercise in human subjects

AIM

The major aim of this study was to determine the fractional rate of protein synthesis (FSR) during the early period of recovery after intensive aerobic exercise in the absence of nutritional supplementation.

METHODS

Sixteen male subjects performed one-legged cycling exercise for 1 h at approx. 65-70% of their one-legged maximal oxygen uptake. Using the stable isotope technique, the FSR in the vastus lateralis of both legs were determined during two periods, 0-90 min (n = 8) and 90-180 min (n = 8) after exercise. Biopsies were taken from both exercising and resting muscle before exercise, immediately after and following 90 or 180 min of recovery.

RESULTS

During the initial 90 min of recovery, FSR in the exercising muscle tended to be higher than in the resting muscle (1.57 ± 0.12 vs. 1.44 ± 0.07% 24 h(-1); P = 0.1) and was significantly higher during the period 90-180 min after exercise (1.74 ± 0.14 vs. 1.43 ± 0.12% 24 h(-1) ; P < 0.05). Exercise induced a 60% increase (P < 0.05) in phosphorylation of mTOR and a fivefold increase (P < 0.05) in Thr(389) phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase as well as a 30% reduction (P < 0.05) in phosphorylation of eEF2. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase was enhanced by 40% (P < 0.05) after exercise, but no significant effect on phosphorylation of Akt, or eIF2Bε was observed immediately after exercise.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that during the first 3 h of recovery after intensive endurance exercise FSR gradually increases. Moreover, a stimulation of the mTOR-signalling pathway may be at least partially responsible for this elevated protein synthesis.

Influence of supplementation with branched-chain amino acids in combination with resistance exercise on p70S6 kinase phosphorylation in resting and exercising human skeletal muscle

AIM

Skeletal muscle growth is thought to be regulated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which can be activated by resistance exercise and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). The major aim of the present study was to distinguish between the influence of resistance exercise and BCAA on key enzymes considered to be involved in the regulation of protein synthesis, including p70(S6) kinase (p70(S6k)).

METHODS

Nine healthy subjects (four men and five women) performed unilateral resistance exercise on two occasions separated by 1 month. Subjects were randomly supplied either a mixture of BCAA or flavoured water. Muscle biopsies were taken from both resting and exercising muscle before, after and 1 h after exercise.

RESULTS

Phosphorylation of Akt was unaltered by either resistance exercise and/or BCAA supplementation whereas mTOR phosphorylation was enhanced (P<0.05) to a similar extent in both exercising and resting muscle following exercise in the absence (70-90%) and presence of BCAA supplementation (80-130%). Phosphorylation of p70(S6k) was unaffected by resistance exercise alone; however, BCAA intake increased (P<0.05) this phosphorylation in both legs following exercise. In resting muscle, a 5- and 16-fold increase in p70(S6k) was observed immediately after and 1 h after exercise, respectively, as compared to 11- and 30-fold increases in the exercising muscle. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 was attenuated 1 h after exercise (P<0.05) in both resting (10-40%) and exercising muscle (30-50%) under both conditions.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that resistance exercise and BCAA exert both separate and combined effects on the p70(S6k) phosphorylation in an Akt-independent manner.

Changes in signalling pathways regulating protein synthesis in human muscle in the recovery period after endurance exercise

AIM

Exercise induced alterations in the rate of muscle protein synthesis may be related to activity changes in signalling pathways involved in protein synthesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether such changes in enzyme phosphorylation occur after endurance exercise.

METHODS

Six male subjects performed ergometer cycling exercise for 1 h at 75% of the maximal oxygen uptake. Muscle biopsy samples from the vastus lateralis were taken before, immediately after, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h after exercise for the determination of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase 3 kinase (GSK-3), p70S6 kinase (p70(S6k)) and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation.

RESULTS

The phosphorylation of Akt was unchanged directly after exercise, but two- to fourfold increased 1 and 2 h after the exercise, whereas GSK-3alpha and beta phosphorylation were two- to fourfold elevated throughout most of the 3-h recovery period. Phosphorylation of mTOR was elevated threefold directly after, 30 min and 2 h after exercise and eEF2 phosphorylation was decreased by 35-75% from 30 min to 3 h-recovery. Exercise led to a five- to eightfold increase in Ser(424)/Thr(421) phosphorylation of p70(S6k) up to 30 min after exercise, but no change in Thr(389) phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

The marked decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation suggests an activation of translation elongation and possibly protein synthesis in the recovery period after sustained endurance exercise. The lack of p70(S6k) activation suggests that translation initiation is activated via alternative pathways, possibly via the activation of eukaryotic initiating factor 2B.

Effect of carbohydrate ingestion on brain exchange of amino acids during sustained exercise in human subjects

AIM

This study investigated the effect of prolonged exercise with and without carbohydrate intake on the brain exchange of amino acids, especially focussing on tryptophan and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA).

METHODS

Five male subjects exercised for 3 h on a cycle ergometer at 200 +/- 7 W on two occasions; either supplemented with a 6% carbohydrate solution or with flavoured water (placebo). Catheters were inserted into the right internal jugular vein and the radial artery of the non-dominant arm. The brain exchange of amino acids during exercise was calculated from the arterial-jugular venous concentration difference multiplied by plasma flow.

RESULTS

About 106 micromol (22 mg) of tryptophan was taken up by the brain during exercise in the placebo trial, whereas no significant uptake was observed in the carbohydrate trial. In accordance, the arterial concentration of free tryptophan increased from 12 +/- 1 to 20 +/- 2 micromol L(-1) during the placebo trial and was significantly higher compared with the glucose trial (14 +/- 1 micromol L(-1) at the end of exercise). Also, the arterial concentration of total tryptophan (free and albumin-bound) increased during the first 30 min of exercise in both trials, but returned to the basal level at 180 min of exercise. In both trials, BCAA were taken up by the brain while glutamine was released.

CONCLUSION

The present data show that both tryptophan and BCAA are taken up by the brain during prolonged exercise, and we suggest that the cerebral uptake of tryptophan may relate to increased synthesis of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain.

Effect of exercise on concentrations of free amino acids in pools of type I and type II fibres in human muscle with reduced glycogen stores

A few animal studies have shown that some amino acid concentrations vary between different muscle fibre types. In the present study, amino acid concentrations were measured in separate pools of different fibre types in human skeletal muscle, with reduced glycogen stores, before and after sustained exercise. Five subjects exercised at a submaximal work rate for 60 min and then at a maximal rate for 20 min. Biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and after exercise; they were freeze-dried and individual fibres were dissected out. Fragments of these fibres were stained for myosin-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and identified as type I or type II fibres. The concentrations of free amino acids were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in perchloric acid (PCA) extracts containing pools of either type of fibre. After exercise, glycogen was decreased in type I fibres (53%) and in four subjects also in type II fibres. The concentrations of most amino acids were similar in the two fibre types before exercise, but the glutamate, aspartate and arginine levels were 10% higher in type II than in type I fibres. After exercise, the glutamate concentration was decreased by 45% in both fibre types and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were decreased in type II fibres (14%). Exercise caused an increase by 25-30% in tyrosine concentration in both type I and type II fibres. The results show that amino acids can be measured in pools of fibre fragments and suggest that amino acid metabolism play an important role in both type I and type II fibres during exercise.

Marathon running increases ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase signalling to downstream targets in human skeletal muscle

1. We tested the hypothesis that long-distance running activates parallel mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades that involve extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK and their downstream substrates. 2. Eleven men completed a 42.2 km marathon (mean race time 4 h 1 min; range 2 h 56 min to 4 h 33 min). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained before and after the race. Glycogen content was measured spectrophotometrically. ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation was determined by immunoblot analysis using phosphospecific antibodies. Activation of the downstream targets of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, MAPK-activated protein kinase-1 (MAPKAP-K1; also called p90 ribosomal S6 kinase, p90rsk), MAPK-activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAP-K2), mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 (MSK1) and mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 2 (MSK2) was determined using immune complex assays. 3. Muscle glycogen content was reduced by 40 +/- 6 % after the marathon. ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased 7.8-fold and p38 MAPK phosphorylation increased 4.4-fold post-exercise. Prolonged running did not alter ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK protein expression. The activity of p90rsk, a downstream target of ERK1/2, increased 2.8-fold after the marathon. The activity of MAPKAPK-K2, a downstream target of p38 MAPK, increased 3.1-fold post-exercise. MSK1 and MSK2 are downstream of both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. MSK1 activity increased 2.4-fold post-exercise. MSK2 activity was low, relative to MSK1, with little activation post-exercise. 4. In conclusion, prolonged distance running activates MAPK signalling cascades in skeletal muscle, including increased activity of downstream targets: p90rsk, MAPKAP-K2 and MSK. Activation of these downstream targets provides a potential mechanism by which exercise induces gene transcription in skeletal muscle.

BCAA intake affects protein metabolism in muscle after but not during exercise in humans

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) or a placebo was given to seven subjects during 1 h of ergometer cycle exercise and a 2-h recovery period. Intake of BCAA did not influence the rate of exchange of the aromatic amino acids, tyrosine and phenylalanine, in the legs during exercise or the increase in their concentration in muscle. The increase was approximately 30% in both conditions. On the other hand, in the recovery period after exercise, a faster decrease in the muscle concentration of aromatic amino acids was found in the BCAA experiment (46% compared with 25% in the placebo condition). There was also a tendency to a smaller release (an average of 32%) of these amino acids from the legs during the 2-h recovery. The results suggest that BCAA have a protein-sparing effect during the recovery after exercise, either that protein synthesis has been stimulated and/or protein degradation has decreased, but the data during exercise are too variable to make any conclusions about the effects during exercise. The effect in the recovery period does not seem to be mediated by insulin.

Amino acids and central fatigue

There is an increasing interest in the mechanisms behind central fatigue, particularly in relation to changes in brain monoamine metabolism and the influence of specific amino acids on fatigue. Several studies in experimental animals have shown that physical exercise increases the synthesis and metabolism of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Support for the involvement of 5-HT in fatigue can be found in studies where the brain concentration of 5-HT has been altered by means of pharmacological agents. When the 5-HT level was elevated in this way the performance was impaired in both rats and human subjects, and in accordance with this a decrease in the 5-HT level caused an improvement in running performance in rats. The precursor of 5-HT is the amino acid tryptophan and the synthesis of 5-HT in the brain is thought to be regulated by the blood supply of free tryptophan in relation to other large neutral amino acids (including the branched-chain amino acids, BCAA) since these compete with tryptophan for transport into the brain. Studies in human subjects have shown that the plasma ratio of free tryptophan/BCAA increases during and, particularly, after sustained exercise. This would favour the transport of tryptophan into the brain and also the synthesis and release of 5-HT which may lead to central fatigue. Attempts have been made to influence the 5-HT level by giving BCAA to human subjects during different types of sustained heavy exercise. The results indicate that ingestion of BCAA reduces the perceived exertion and mental fatigue during exercise and improves cognitive performance after the exercise. In addition, in some situations ingestion of BCAA might also improve physical performance; during exercise in the heat or in a competitive race when the central component of fatigue is assumed to be more pronounced than in a laboratory experiment. However, more experiments are needed to further clarify the effect of BCAA and also of tryptophan ingestion on physical performance and mental fatigue.

Exercise-associated differences in an array of proteins involved in signal transduction and glucose transport

Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained from endurance-trained (running approximately 50 km/wk) and untrained (no regular physical exercise) men, and the expression of an array of insulin-signaling intermediates was determined. Expression of insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 and -2 was decreased 44% (P < 0.05), 57% (P < 0.001), and 77% (P < 0.001), respectively, in trained vs. untrained muscle. The downstream signaling target, Akt kinase, was not altered in trained subjects. Components of the mitogenic signaling cascade were also assessed. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression was 190% greater (P < 0.05), whereas p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression was 32% lower (P < 0.05), in trained vs. untrained muscle. GLUT-4 protein expression was twofold higher (P < 0.05), and the GLUT-4 vesicle-associated protein, the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, was increased 4.7-fold (P < 0. 05) in trained muscle. In conclusion, the expression of proteins involved in signal transduction is altered in skeletal muscle from well-trained athletes. Downregulation of early components of the insulin-signaling cascade may occur in response to increased insulin sensitivity associated with endurance training.

Peak muscle perfusion and oxygen uptake in humans: importance of precise estimates of muscle mass

The knee extensor exercise model was specifically developed to enable in vivo estimates of peak muscle blood flow and O(2) uptake in humans. The original finding, using thermodilution measurements to measure blood flow in relation to muscle mass [P. Andersen and B. Saltin. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 366: 233-249, 1985], was questioned, however, as the measurements were two- to threefold higher than those previously obtained with the (133)Xe clearance and the plethysmography technique. As thermodilution measurements have now been confirmed by other methods and independent research groups, we aimed to address the impact of muscle mass estimates on the peak values of muscle perfusion and O(2) uptake. In the present study, knee extensor volume was determined from multiple measurements with computer tomography along the full length of the muscle. In nine healthy humans, quadriceps muscle volume was 2.36 +/- 0.17 (range 1. 31-3.27) liters, corresponding to 2.48 +/- 0.18 (range 1.37-3.43) kg. Anthropometry overestimated the muscle volume by approximately 21-46%, depending on whether quadriceps muscle length was estimated from the patella to either the pubic bone, inguinal ligament, or spina iliaca anterior superior. One-legged, dynamic knee extensor exercise up to peak effort of 67 +/- 7 (range 55-100) W rendered peak values for leg blood flow (thermodilution) of 5.99 +/- 0.66 (range 4.15-9.52) l/min and leg O(2) uptake of 856 +/- 109 (range 590-1,521) ml/min. Muscle perfusion and O(2) uptake reached peak values of 246 +/- 24 (range 149-373) and 35.2 +/- 3.7 (range 22.6-59. 6) ml. min(-1). 100 g muscle(-1), respectively. These peak values are approximately 19-33% larger than those attained by applying anthropometric muscle mass estimates. In conclusion, the present findings emphasize that peak perfusion and O(2) uptake in human skeletal muscle may be up to approximately 30% higher than previous anthropometric-based estimates that use equivalent techniques for blood flow measurements.

Effect of muscle glycogen on glucose, lactate and amino acid metabolism during exercise and recovery in human subjects

1. Eight subjects performed two-legged exercise, one leg with low and the other with normal muscle glycogen content. The purpose was to study the effect of low initial muscle glycogen content on the metabolic response during 1 h of exercise and 2 h of recovery. This model allows direct comparison of net fluxes of substrates and metabolites over the exercising legs receiving the same arterial inflow. 2. Muscle glycogen breakdown during exercise was 60% lower in the leg with a reduced pre-exercise glycogen concentration and the rate of glucose uptake during exercise was 30% higher. 3. The amount of pyruvate that was oxidized during exercise was calculated to be approximately 450 mmol in the low-glycogen leg and 750 mmol in the normal-glycogen leg, which suggests more fat and amino acid oxidation in the low-glycogen leg. 4. During exercise, there was a significant release of amino acids not metabolized in the muscle, e. g. tyrosine and phenylalanine, only from the low-glycogen leg, suggesting an increased rate of net protein degradation in this leg. 5. The release of tyrosine and phenylalanine from the low-glycogen leg during the exercise period and the change in their muscle concentrations yield a net tyrosine and phenylalanine production rate of 1.4 and 1.5 mmol h-1, respectively. The net rate of protein degradation was then calculated to be 7-12 g h-1. 6. The results suggest that the observed differences in metabolism between the low-glycogen and the normal-glycogen leg are induced by the glycogen level per se, since the legs received the same arterial supply of hormones and substrates.

Inactivation of aconitase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase in skeletal muscle in vitro by superoxide anions and/or nitric oxide

Strips of rat soleus muscle were incubated in media containing a superoxide generating system and/or the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) before the maximal catalytic activities of aconitase, citrate synthase, and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase were measured. The maximal activities of aconitase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase were both decreased by 25-30% by superoxide anions; however, only the maximal activity of aconitase was decreased, by approximately 50%, by incubation of muscles with SNP. Furthermore, when both superoxide and NO were present in the medium, aconitase activity was decreased by 70%. The maximal activity of citrate synthase was not affected by any of the treatments. This is the first time that superoxide anions or NO has been shown to inactivate aconitase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase in skeletal muscle. It is suggested that these effects may be responsible for some alterations in skeletal muscle metabolism, and these possibilities are discussed.

Maximum rate of oxygen uptake by human skeletal muscle in relation to maximal activities of enzymes in the Krebs cycle

1. Ten subjects performed incremental exercise up to their maximum work rate with the knee extensors of one leg. Measurements of leg blood flow and femoral arteriovenous differences of oxygen were made in order to be able to calculate oxygen uptake of the leg. 2. The volume of the quadriceps muscle was determined from twenty-one to twenty-five computer tomography section images taken from the patella to the anterior inferior iliac spine of each subject. 3. The maximal activities of three enzymes in the Krebs cycle, citrate synthase, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase, were measured in biopsy samples taken from the vastus lateralis muscle. 4. The average rate of oxygen uptake over the quadriceps muscle at maximal work, 353 ml min-1 kg-1, corresponded to a Krebs cycle rate of 4.6 mumol min-1 g-1. This was similar to the maximal activity of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (5.1 mumol min-1 g-1), whereas the activities of succinate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase averaged 7.2 and 48.0 mumol min-1 g-1, respectively. 5. It is suggested that of these enzymes, only the maximum activity of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase can provide a quantitative measure of the capacity of oxidative metabolism, and it appears that the enzyme is fully activated during one-legged knee extension exercise at the maximal work rate.

Influence of ingesting a solution of branched-chain amino acids on perceived exertion during exercise

On two occasions, seven male endurance-trained cyclists performed exhaustive exercise on a cycle ergometer in the morning after they had performed a bout of exercise the preceding evening in an attempt to lower the muscle glycogen stores. The subjects exercised at a work rate corresponding to approximately 70% of their maximal oxygen uptake for 60 min, followed by another 20 min of maximal exercise. During exercise the subjects were given either a solution of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or flavoured water (placebo). Every 10 min during exercise the subjects rated their perceived exertion and mental fatigue on two different Borg scales. During the 60 min exercise at a given work rate the subjects ratings of perceived exertion when they were given BCAAs were 7% lower, and their ratings of mental fatigue were 15% lower than when they were given placebo. In addition, the performance in the colour task of Stroops Colour Word Test performed after exercise was improved when BCAAs had been ingested during exercise, compared with the results from the placebo trial. There was no difference in the physical performance between the two trials measured as the amount of work done during the last 20 min of exercise when the subjects performed at their maximum. The plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan/BCAAs, which increased by 45% during exercise and by 150% 5 min after exercise in the placebo trial, remained unchanged or even decreased when BCAAs were ingested.

Influence of ingesting a solution of branched-chain amino acids on plasma and muscle concentrations of amino acids during prolonged submaximal exercise

On two occasions, seven male endurance-trained cyclists performed sustained exhaustive exercise with reduced muscle glycogen stores. During exercise, the subjects were supplied in random order with an aqueous solution of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) or flavored water (placebo). Ingestion of BCAA caused the concentration of these amino acids to increase by 135% in the plasma and by 57% in muscle tissue during exercise, whereas in the placebo trial there was no change or a slight decrease in the concentration in plasma and a decrease of 18% in the muscle. The plasma concentration of alanine increased by 48% during exercise when BCAA were ingested, and the increase in the muscle concentration of alanine during exercise was larger (70% versus 31% in the placebo trial), suggesting an increased rate of alanine production. Also, the plasma concentration of arginine increased by 14% during exercise when BCAA were ingested, whereas there was no change during exercise in the placebo trial. There was a smaller decrease in the muscle glutamate concentration during exercise in the BCAA trial (32% versus 47% in the placebo trial; p < 0.05), but, for the remaining amino acids, there was no difference between the BCAA and placebo trials. There was a significant decrease in the muscle glycogen concentration during exercise in the placebo trial, whereas only a small decrease was found in the BCAA trial (28 and 9 mmol/kg wet wt [p < 0.05] in the placebo and BCAA trial, respectively). This might indicate that an increased supply of BCAA has a sparing effect on muscle glycogen degradation during exercise.

The plasma level of some amino acids and physical and mental fatigue

Tryptophan is converted to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and evidence is presented that an increase in the concentration of 5-HT can result in physical and mental fatigue during prolonged exercise. The entry of tryptophan in the brain is influenced by the plasma level of free tryptophan (that not bound to albumin) and, from competition for entry into brain, by the plasma level of branched chain amino acids. Hence, oral administration of branched chain amino acids could, theoretically, prevent the increase in 5-HT level during exercise and therefore delay physical and mental fatigue. Evidence in support of this hypothesis is presented.

Effect of branched-chain amino acid and carbohydrate supplementation on the exercise-induced change in plasma and muscle concentration of amino acids in human subjects

Five male endurance-trained subjects performed exhaustive exercise on a cycle ergometer at a work rate corresponding to 75% of their VO2max after reduction of their muscle glycogen stores. During exercise the subjects were given in random order a 6% carbohydrate solution continuing 7 g L-1 of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), a 6% CHO solution and flavoured water. The physical performance was lowered in four of the five subjects when they were given flavoured water during exercise as compared with the two conditions when CHO was supplied. No difference in performance was found when the subjects were given CHO + BCAA or only CHO during exercise. When CHO + BCAA was supplied the plasma and muscle (vastus lateralis) concentrations of BCAA increased during exercise by 120 and 35%, respectively. In the other conditions there was no change or a slight decrease in the plasma concentrations of BCAA, but the muscle concentrations of BCAA were decreased after exercise. The plasma concentration of glutamine over the whole exercise period and 5 min after exercise was higher when CHO + BCAA were supplied during exercise compared with a supply of CHO alone or water. However, exercise caused no change in the muscle concentration of glutamine, whereas that of glutamate decreased in all three conditions. A supply of CHO + BCAA or CHO alone did not affect the exercise-induced increase in the plasma and muscle concentration of aromatic amino acids, indicating that neither BCAA nor CHO influenced the net protein degradation during exercise.

Tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine and a possible explanation for central fatigue

In prolonged exercise the plasma level of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) may fall and that of fatty acid increases: the latter increases the free tryptophan level, so that the plasma concentration ratio, free tryptophan/BCAA may increase leading to higher levels of tryptophan and therefore of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain. The latter increases the activity of some 5-HT neurons in the brain which can cause sleep and which could, therefore, increase the mental effort necessary to maintain athletic activity. Drinks containing branched-chain amino acids should restore vigor to athletes whose performance is depressed by an excess of cerebral 5-HT. Recent work suggests that intake of branched-chain amino acids may improve performance in slower runners in the marathon and decrease perceived physical and mental exertion in laboratory experiments. This suggestion is supported by pharmacological manipulations that result in either increased or decreased physical performance.

Branched-chain amino acid supplementation during 30-km competitive run: mood and cognitive performance

It has been suggested that an elevated concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in specific areas of the brain may contribute to the development of central/mental fatigue during and after sustained exercise. Supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) should prevent the exercise-induced increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan to other large neutral amino acids (including BCAAs) and thereby prevent an elevation in the level of 5-HT in the brain. In this study, subjects were given either a mixture of BCAAs in a carbohydrate solution or a placebo drink that contained only carbohydrates during a 30-km cross-country race. Several tasks to measure cognitive performance were performed before and after the race. When subjects were supplied with BCAAs, their performance in the different parts of the color-word test (words, colors and color words) was improved by an average of 3-7% (p < 0.05) after exercise, whereas there was no difference in performance before and after exercise in the subjects who were given the placebo. Furthermore, the experimental group, supplied with BCAAs, maintained their performance in the shape-rotation and figure-identification tasks, whereas an impairment in performance in these tests by 25% (p < 0.05) and 15% (p < 0.05), respectively, was found in the subjects who received the placebo. Thus, BCAA supplementation seemed to have an effect on the more complex tasks, whereas no effect could be detected on the less demanding tasks. However, an intake of BCAAs during exercise modified only slightly the exercise-induced changes in mood.

Plasma amino acid concentrations in the overtraining syndrome: possible effects on the immune system

Overtraining and long-term exercise are associated with an impairment of immune function. We provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that the supply of glutamine, a key fuel for cells of the immune system, is impaired in these conditions and that this may contribute to immunosuppression. Plasma glutamine concentration was decreased in overtrained athletes and after long-term exercise (marathon race) and was increased after short-term, high intensity exercise (sprinting). Branched chain amino acid supplementation during long-term exercise was shown to prevent this decrease in the plasma glutamine level. Overtraining was without effect on the rate of T-lymphocyte proliferation in vitro or on the plasma levels of interleukin-1 and -6, suggesting that immune function is not impaired in this condition. Given the proposed importance of glutamine for cells of the immune system, it is concluded that the decrease in plasma glutamine concentration in overtraining and following long-term exercise, and not an intrinsic defect in T lymphocyte function, may contribute to the immune deficiency reported in these conditions.

Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on the exercise-induced change in aromatic amino acid concentration in human muscle

A mixture of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) was supplied to subjects during two types of sustained intense exercise, a 30 km cross-country race and a full marathon, and the effect on plasma and muscle concentrations of aromatic and BCAAs was studied. When BCAAs (7.5-12 g) were taken during exercise, the plasma and muscle (vastus lateralis) concentration of these amino acids increased, while in the placebo groups the concentration of BCAAs decreased in the plasma and remained unchanged in the muscle. In the placebo group, both types of exercise caused a 20-40% increase in the muscle concentration of the aromatic amino acids, tyrosine and phenylalanine, and the plasma concentration of these amino acids was increased after the marathon. Since tyrosine and phenylalanine are neither taken up nor metabolized by skeletal muscle, the increases in their concentrations in muscle might indicate net protein degradation during exercise. However, when the subjects were supplied with BCAAs during exercise, the increases in tyrosine and phenylalanine concentrations in both muscle and plasma were prevented. These results suggest that an intake of BCAAs during exercise can prevent or decrease the net rate of protein degradation caused by heavy exercise.

Physical and mental fatigue: metabolic mechanisms and importance of plasma amino acids

There are at least 5 metabolic causes of fatigue, a decrease in the phosphocreatine level in muscle, proton accumulation in muscle, depletion of the glycogen store in muscle, hypoglycaemia and an increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan/branched-chain amino acids. Proton accumulation may be a common cause of fatigue in most forms of exercise and may be an important factor in fatigue in those persons who are chronically physically inactive and also in the elderly: thus, the aerobic capacity markedly decreases under these conditions, so that ATP must be synthesized by the much less efficient anaerobic system. A marked increase in the plasma fatty acid level, which may occur when liver glycogen store is depleted and when hypoglycaemia results, or during intermittent exercise when the rate of fatty acid oxidation may not match the mobilisation of fatty acids, could be involved indirectly in fatigue. This is because such an increase in the plasma level of fatty acids raises the free plasma concentration of tryptophan, which can increase the entry of tryptophan into the brain, which will increase the brain level of 5-hydroxytryptamine: there is evidence that the latter may be involved in central fatigue. In this case, provision of branched-chain amino acids in order to maintain the resting plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan/branched-chain amino acids should delay fatigue--there is prima facie evidence in support of this hypothesis. This hypothesis may have considerable clinical importance.

Mood change and marathon running: a pilot study using a Swedish version of the POMS test

Regular exercise is said to have positive effects on mood, especially if the exercise intensity is low to moderate. However, the acute effects resulting from participation in a strenuous competition, such as a marathon race, have been studied less. The present investigation used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test to measure mood, before and after the 1989 Stockholm Marathon. A total of 106 male runners (mean age 40.0 years), with finishing times between 3h and 3h 45 min participated as subjects. Results showed great changes between pre- and post-marathon scores, most of them significant at the p less than 0.001 level. Furthermore, differences between a faster and a slower group of runners were demonstrated with regard to mood states, even though plasma glucose levels were comparable. It is concluded that participation in a marathon race greatly effects mood, mainly in a more negative way than low to moderately intense exercise does.

Administration of branched-chain amino acids during sustained exercise--effects on performance and on plasma concentration of some amino acids

Previous studies have shown that sustained exercise in human subjects causes an increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan: other large neutral amino acids [including the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA)]. This should favour the transport of tryptophan into the brain and also the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine, which is thought to contribute to fatigue during prolonged exercise. A mixture of the three BCAA was given to subjects during a 30-km cross-country race or a marathon (42.2 km) and the effects on mental and physical performances were measured. The mental performance, measured as the performance in the Stroop Colour and Word Test (CWT), was improved after, as compared to before the 30-km cross-country race when a BCAA supplement was given during the race, whereas the CWT scores were similar before and after in the placebo group. The running performance in the marathon was improved for the "slower" runners (3.05 h-3.30 h) when BCAA was taken during the race; however, there was no significant effect on the performance in the "faster" runners (less than 3.05 h). The results showed that both mental and physical performance was improved by an intake of BCAA during exercise. In addition, the effects of exercise on the plasma concentration of the aromatic amino acids were altered when a BCAA supplement was given during the marathon.

A communicational link between skeletal muscle, brain, and cells of the immune system

The present paper reviews evidence for the role of specific amino acids in the etiology of fatigue and the overtraining syndrome in athletes. An increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan: branched-chain amino acids may mediate an increase in 5-HT synthesis in the brain and thus induce fatigue during exercise. Glutamine is essential for the proper functioning of cells of the immune system and a decrease in plasma glutamine concentration post-exercise and in overtraining may induce an impairment in immune function. Branched-chain amino acids may play a central role in both these processes. Thus, they compete with free tryptophan for entry into the brain. Branched-chain amino acids may also be important precursors of nitrogen for the synthesis of glutamine in skeletal muscle or important in the control of glutamine release from muscle. Consequently, the metabolism of glutamine, tryptophan, and branched-chain amino acids may be the key to understanding some aspects of central fatigue and some aspects of immunosuppression that are very relevant to athletic endeavor. They may be also relevant to other physiological and pathological conditions.

Effect of sustained exercise on plasma amino acid concentrations and on 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism in six different brain regions in the rat

Sustained exercise to fatigue elicits no major differences either in plasma amino acid levels or in brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolism between sedentary and endurance-trained animals. Furthermore, 11 weeks of endurance training did not influence the maximal activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase in the brain areas which were studied. In both sedentary and endurance-trained rats, sustained running to fatigue caused an increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan/other large neutral amino acids and an increase in the concentration of tryptophan in the six brain areas that were studied. The increase was similar in the different regions of the brain and averaged 36%. Exercise caused an increase in the levels of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the brain stem (14 and 44% respectively) and hypothalamus (16 and 17% respectively) and an increase in the level of 5-HIAA in the hippocampus (21%) and striatum (28%). Exercise also caused an increase in the level of dopamine in the brain stem (56%) and hypothalamus (46%) and of nor adrenaline in the striatum (59%). Since the levels of 5-HT and dopamine were both increased in the brain stem and hypothalamus, it is possible that these changes may play important roles in the central effects of exercise, including both physical and mental fatigue and effects on mood.

Acute and chronic effects of strenuous exercise on glucose metabolism in isolated, incubated soleus muscle of exercise-trained rats

Male and female Wistar rats were exercise-trained for 6 or 11 weeks respectively, to examine the effects of acute exercise or exercise training per se on insulin-stimulated glucose utilization in soleus muscles isolated and incubated in vitro. The maximal activities of hexokinase and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated (by greater than 50%) in gastrocnemius muscle of exercise-trained male and female rats, indicating an adaptation to the training regime. No significant differences in any of the variables studied were observed between appropriately matched male and female rats. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity or responsiveness of the rates of lactate formation or glycogen synthesis in soleus muscles isolated from exercise-trained and sedentary animals at rest (exercise-trained animals were studied 40 h after the last exercise bout). On the other hand, acute exercise caused significant changes in soleus muscle glucose metabolism. Basal and insulin-stimulated rates of glycogen synthesis were significantly elevated in soleus muscles incubated from both sedentary and exercise-trained rats immediately after an exercise bout. In addition, the responsiveness of glucose utilization to insulin in soleus muscles from exercise-trained rats was significantly increased after acute exercise. The results indicate that significant changes in the control of glucose metabolism by insulin in soleus muscle occur as a result of an acute exercise bout, while no adaptive changes in insulin sensitivity occur in soleus muscle after exercise training.

Changes in plasma concentrations of aromatic and branched-chain amino acids during sustained exercise in man and their possible role in fatigue

The plasma concentrations of branched-chain and aromatic amino acids have been measured in two different types of sustained dynamic exercise. Twenty-two subjects participated in the 1986 Stockholm Marathon and eight subjects took part in an army training programme of approximately 1.5-h duration. Both types of exercise caused a significant decrease in the plasma concentration of branched-chain amino acids, while there was no change in the concentration of total (free plus bound to albumin) tryptophan. The plasma concentration of free tryptophan, which was measured in the marathon runners, was found to increase 2.4-fold during the race. This increase is probably caused by a pronounced elevation in the concentration of plasma free fatty acids during exercise, since these are known to displace tryptophan from albumin. The observed increase in plasma free tryptophan concentration, together with the decrease in plasma concentration of branched-chain amino acids, gives rise to a marked increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan/branched-chain amino acids. This should lead to an increase in the rate of transport of tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier and hence to an increase in the rate of synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain. An elevated concentration of 5-HT in specific areas of the brain may be responsible, at least in part, for the development of physical, and/or mental fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Influence of reduced muscle temperature on metabolism in type I and type II human muscle fibres during intensive exercise

Six male subjects performed intensive cycle exercise to exhaustion after cooling their legs in water at 10-12 degrees C (muscle temperature (Tm) 28 +/- 2.6 degrees C, mean +/- SD). Exercise at exactly the same rate and duration (370 +/- 34 W, 1.5 +/- 0.2 min) was then repeated by each subject 2-5 weeks later at normal Tm (35 +/- 1.0 degrees C). Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle at rest and after exercise. The muscle tissue was freeze-dried and fragments of single fibres were dissected out. The fibres were classified and pooled into groups of type I and type II. Analyses of glycogen, glucose 6-phosphate, lactate and phosphagens were performed on pools of type-identified fibres. After exercise at reduced Tm, all subjects had higher concentrations of glucose 6-phosphate and lactate in both type I and type II fibres, and in most subjects the concentrations of ATP and phosphocreatine were lower as compared with the findings after exercise at normal Tm. During exercise the glycogen content of both fibre types decreased to a greater extent at reduced than at normal Tm in most subjects. The results suggest that during intensive dynamic exercise at reduced Tm there is a higher degree of glycolysis from glycogen in the muscle than in the normal situation. In some subjects the cause of fatigue may be related to a more rapid accumulation of lactate in the cold muscle, while in others fatigue may be related to alternative factors, e.g. low levels of ATP and phosphocreatine.

Maximum activities of key glycolytic and oxidative enzymes in human muscle from differently trained individuals

1. The maximum activities of hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, together with capillary density and fibre composition, have been measured in muscle from male and female untrained, medium-trained and well trained individuals. 2. The activity of hexokinase was almost identical in muscle from the three groups, whereas that of 6-phosphofructokinase decreased and that of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase increased with increased training. Values of maximum rate of O2 uptake (VO2, max) were also measured and were 21% higher in medium-trained and 49% higher in well trained compared to untrained individuals, whereas oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activities were 39% and 90% higher respectively. 3. There was a good positive correlation between the activity of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and the percentage of type I fibres but the correlation between VO2, max and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity was less good. Changes in the values of VO2, max represent the effects on the circulatory and respiratory system whereas those in oxoglutarate dehydrogenase represent local effects of endurance training.

Temperature-induced changes in metabolic and hormonal responses to intensive dynamic exercise

Seven male subjects performed intensive cycle exercise to exhaustion at subnormal muscle temperature (Tm, 29 +/- 2.8 degrees C). Exercise at exactly the same rate of exercise and duration (370 +/- 34 W, 1.5 +/- 0.15 min) was then repeated with normal Tm (35 +/- 0.9 degrees C). During exercise both the arterial (a) and femoral venous (fv) contents of oxygen were significantly higher at subnormal than at normal Tm, because of the higher haemoglobin concentration, but the a-fv oxygen difference was the same in the two situations. The rate of increase in lactate concentration in both arterial and venous blood during exercise was the same in two situations. During exercise the plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in arterial and venous blood were significantly higher at subnormal than at normal Tm. At rest and after exercise the calf blood flow was significantly reduced at subnormal Tm. At the end of exercise the concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate and lactate in the muscle were significantly higher at subnormal Tm than in the muscle of normal temperature. These findings suggest that there was a greater increase in glycolysis in the muscle of subnormal temperature during exercise, possibly as a result of impaired work efficiency and/or reduced blood flow in the cold muscle.

Effect of hyperthyroidism on fibre-type composition, fibre area, glycogen content and enzyme activity in human skeletal muscle

Seven hyperthyroid patients were studied by repeated muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) before and after a period of medical treatment which averaged 10 months. The biopsies were analysed with regard to fibre-type composition, fibre area, capillary density, glycogen content and enzyme activities representing the glycolytic capacity (hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase), oxidative capacity (oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase) and Ca2+- and Mg2+-stimulated ATPase in muscle. In the pretreatment biopsy (hyperthyroid state), there was a significantly lower proportion of type I fibres (30% vs. 41%), a higher capillary density (23%), lower glycogen content (33%), and higher hexokinase activity (32%) compared with the post-treatment biopsy. No significant changes in the activity of the remaining enzymes were observed. The present study indicates that hyperthyroidism induces a transformation from type I to type II fibres in human skeletal muscle. The increase in hexokinase activity probably reflects a higher glucose utilization by skeletal muscle in order to compensate partially for the reduced glycogen content.

Effects of iron deficiency on endurance and muscle enzyme activity in man

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of iron deficiency on enzyme activities and endurance. Iron deficiency was induced in 9 healthy male subjects by repeated venesections. After a period of 9 wk (range, 8-11 wk) when the subjects had become iron deficient as defined by laboratory parameters, blood was retransfused to reestablish the control hemoglobin concentration. In this state it was possible to evaluate the effect of iron deficiency isolated from anemia. In samples secured by muscle biopsies, glycolytic, oxidative, and iron depending enzymes were analyzed in the control (C) and anemic (A) states and after retransfusion (R). There were no significant changes in the maximal activities of any of the enzymes studied. The capillary/fiber ratio remained unchanged between C (1.92) and R (1.94). Times to exhaustion on treadmill tests were 49 min, 11 s in C, 26 min, 33 s in A, and 52 min, 3 s in R. Vo2max was 4.55 1 X min-1 in C, 3.74 1 X min-1 in A, and 4.45 1 X min-1 in R. An artificially induced iron deficiency defined by conventional laboratory parameters did not affect endurance when transfusion of red blood cells was performed in order to exclude the influence of a low hemoglobin concentration. A 4-wk period of severely depleted or absent tissue iron stores did not affect the maximal activities of various enzymes in human skeletal muscle.

Contractile properties, fatiguability and glycolytic metabolism in fast- and slow-twitch rat skeletal muscles of various temperatures

The influence of muscle temperature (28 and 36 degrees C) on fatiguability and glycolytic metabolism was studied during 5 min of intermittent stimulation of motor nerves of the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus (fast-twitch) and soleus (slow-twitch) muscles in the rat at 100 Hz (200 ms per s). The decline in isometric tension was not affected by muscle temperature either in fast- or in slow-twitch muscles. In fast-twitch muscles the utilization of glycogen during stimulation was the same at 28 and 36 degrees C, while in the soleus muscle it was lower at 28 degrees C. The concentration of glucose-6-phosphate immediately after stimulation was higher in the muscles at 28 degrees C than in those at 36 degrees C, whereas no difference in lactate concentration was found between the two temperature groups. These observations indicate that compared with the rate at 36 degrees C, the rate of glycogenolysis at 28 degrees C is unchanged in fast-twitch, but decreased in slow-twitch muscle. This might imply increased economy of ATP turnover during contraction in the soleus muscle at 28 degrees C.

How to calculate human muscle fibre areas in biopsy samples--methodological considerations

Cross-sectional muscle fibre areas (type I, II A and II B) were determined in duplicate biopsies from the left vastus lateralis (n = 11) and in biopsies from right and left vastus lateralis (n = 8). The SD for the difference in means between duplicate biopsies was 510 microns 2 for type I, 1020 microns 2 for type II A and 860 microns 2 for type II B. Expressed as coefficient of variation (CV) these SD constituted 10, 15 and 15%, respectively. The variation in fibre size within a sample was considerably less than the variation between samples on the assumption that at least 15-20 areas of each fibre type were measured per sample. No difference in mean fibre area for type I, II A and II B fibres was obtained between the right and left muscle. Several artefacts due to the sampling and preparing procedures are discussed and a method for determining muscle fibre areas in biopsy samples is suggested.

Influence of low muscle temperature on muscle metabolism during intense dynamic exercise

Eight males performed intense leg cycle exercise at a constant rate of work averaging 350 W, according to three different protocols: 1) "Cold exhaustive" exercise (initial muscle temperature (Tm) = 29 degrees C), 2) "Warm non-exhaustive" exercise (initial Tm = 34 degrees C) for the same period of time as in 1), and 3) "Warm exhaustive" (initial Tm = 34 degrees C). In five subjects the concentration of various muscle metabolites was determined before and immediately, 1 min, and 5 min after exercise. Blood lactate concentration was determined before and repeatedly after exercise. At low Tm maximal work time was considerably shorter for all subjects compared to normal Tm, 1.3 and 2.1 min, respectively. Comparing conditions 1) and 2) oxygen deficit and the decrease in ATP and CP content were the same in the two experiments. There was a significantly higher concentration of glucose-6-phosphate 17.6 +/- 10.1 and 8.0 +/- 6.2 mmol X kg dw-1, respectively, and a tendency to higher lactate concentration 60 +/- 36 and 33 +/- 14 mmol X kg dw-1, respectively, immediately after exercise in the "cold exhaustive exercise". Peak blood lactate concentration appeared significantly later after "cold exhaustive" exercise indicating a slower elimination rate of lactate from the muscle compared to "warm non-exhaustive" exercise. The reduction in performance observed at low Tm may partially be explained by an increased accumulation rate of lactate in four of five subjects.

Maximal activities of hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase in rat and avian muscles

The maximum activities of 6-phosphofructokinase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase in muscle provide quantitative indices of the maximum capacities of anaerobic glycolysis and the Krebs cycle (i.e. the aerobic capacity) respectively. These activities were measured in red, white, and cardiac muscle of birds and the rat. The activities in the white pectoral muscle of the domestic fowl suggest that the Krebs cycle plus electron transfer could provide only about 1% of the rate of ATP production provided by anerobic glycolysis whereas in pigeon pectoral muscle the predicted maximal rates from the two processes are similar. In contrast to domestic-fowl pectoral muscle, the white rat muscle, epitrochlearis, contains a significant activity of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, which indicates that the Krebs cycle could provide about 12% of the maximum rate of ATP formation. This may be explained by a higher proportion of type-I and -IIA fibres in the rat muscle compared to the avian muscle. In the aerobic muscles of the rat the maximum activities of carnitine palmitoyl transferase indicate that fatty-acid oxidation could provide a high rate of ATP formation.

The needle biopsy technique for fibre type determination in human skeletal muscle--a methodological study

The fibre type composition (type I, IIA and IIB) was determined in repeated needle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle of 34 healthy male subjects. Repeated biopsies were taken from one leg (n = 20), and from both legs (n = 14). The variation between duplicate biopsies was 6.2% and 12.3%, with regard to % type I-fibres, respectively. Corresponding variation in % type IIA-fibres was 4.4% and 7.3%, respectively, and in % type IIB-fibres 5.0% and 7.4%, respectively. The variation in fibre type distribution within a single biopsy was 2.2-3.0% when 200 fibres were classified and counted. Increasing the number of fibres did not reduce the calculated variation to any great extent. A major reduction of the methodological error is obtained when two biopsies are taken from the same site of the muscle. The error in the technique in classifying the type I-fibres was slight; the classification between the subgroups of type II-fibres was, however, to some extent subjected to personal estimate. There was no consistent difference in fibre type composition between the right and the left leg.

Role of the motor nerve in activity-induced enzymatic adaptation in skeletal muscle

The sciatic nerve was cut on one side in 11 male cats, and a piece of the nerve was removed. The cats were then divided at random into two groups, a stimulation group (S) of five cats and a control group (C) of six cats. Bilateral electrical stimulation (2 Hz) of the gastrocnemius muscle (directly or via the motor nerve) was carried out in the S cats 4 h/day, 3 days/wk for 4 wk. The voltage delivered was adjusted in each cat so that both gastrocnemius muscles lifted identical loads the same distance. The activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle marker enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) per unit of muscle weight more than doubled in response to stimulation both in the intact and the denervated gastrocnemius muscle. Stimulation did not affect the activity of the glycolytic marker enzyme 6-phosphofructokinase (PFK) or muscle capillarization. Denervation resulted in pronounced (approx 50%) fiber atrophy, which was not prevented by the stimulation. It is concluded that the presence of the motor nerve per se is not necessary for an activity-induced adaptation of the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle.