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Biomedical subjects

F Ogita

Publications and source records attributed to F Ogita.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Sequential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, Flt-1, and KDR/Flk-1 in regenerating mouse skeletal muscle.

We investigated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1) during muscle regeneration by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. On days 5 and 7 after the induction of injury, VEGF and Flt-1 were detected in the cytoplasm and KDR/Flk-1 in the cytoplasm and on cell membranes of the same regenerating muscle fibers. The levels of these proteins in the regenerating muscle fibers gradually decreased until day 20. In contrast, these proteins were not detected in the fibers of normal muscle. This suggests that regenerating muscle fibers express VEGF and its receptors in response to injury. In addition, we found that the VEGF mRNA transcript transiently increased after 12 h of muscle injury and then returned to the basal levels observed in normal muscles on day 1. The expression of Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 mRNA transcripts also peaked on day 3 and then returned to the basal levels observed in normal muscles on day 10. These findings suggest that regenerating muscle fibers are an important source of VEGF and that VEGF signaling through Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 may be involved in the process of muscle regeneration in vivo.

Animals↗

Capillary supply and gene expression of angiogenesis-related factors in murine skeletal muscle following denervation.

Capillary supply of skeletal muscle decreases during denervation. To gain insight into the regulation of this process, we investigated capillary supply and gene expression of angiogenesis-related factors in mouse gastrocnemius muscle following denervation for 4 months. Frozen transverse sections were stained for alkaline phosphatase to detect endogenous enzyme in the capillary endothelium. The mRNA for angiogenesis-related factors, including hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain-containing receptor/fetal liver kinase-1 (KDR/Flk-1), fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1), angiopoietin-1 and tyrosine kinase with Ig and epidermal growth factor(EGF) homology domain 2 (Tie-2), was analysed using a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The fibre cross-sectional area after denervation was about 20% of the control value, and the capillary to fibre ratio was significantly lower in denervated than in control muscles. The number of capillaries around each fibre also decreased to about 40% of the control value. These observations suggest that muscle capillarity decreases in response to chronic denervation. RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of VEGF mRNA was lower in denervated than in control muscles, while the expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA remained unchanged. The expression levels of the KDR/Flk-1 and Flt-1 genes were decreased in the denervated muscle. The expression levels of angiopoietin-1 but not Tie-2 genes were decreased in the denervated muscle. These findings indicate that reduction in the expression of mRNAs in the VEGF/KDR/Flk-1 and Flt-1 as well as angiopoietin-1/Tie-2 signal pathways might be one of the reasons for the capillary regression during chronic denervation.

Angiogenic Proteins↗

Oxygen uptake in one-legged and two-legged exercise.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the primary factors causing the differential oxygen uptake (VO2) response at submaximal intensities between one-legged and two-legged exercise, and whether peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) increases in proportion to the increase in active muscle mass. METHODS: Two different types of exercise were used for this experiment, each requiring a different movement, a different method of stabilizing posture, and, finally, a different limiting VO2peak. In experiment 1, nine male subjects performed one-legged cycling (OLC) and two-legged cycling exercise (TLC) at a pedaling rate of 80 rpm. The exercise intensity was first set at 80 W and was increased by 40 W every 3 min until exhaustion. In experiment 2, six healthy male subjects performed one-legged knee-extension (OKE) and two-legged knee-extension (TKE) exercise at a rate of 50 contractions per minute. The knee-extension exercise was done at constant work rates for a 3-min session in OKE or a 4-min session in TKE. The exercise bouts were performed intermittently at four to seven different submaximal intensities and VO2 was determined at each intensity in all exercises. RESULTS: At submaximal intensities, VO2 in relation to work rate of one-legged exercise was more steep than those of two-legged exercise, and the mean values of VO2 were significantly higher in one-legged exercise than those in two-legged exercise in both knee extension and cycling exercise. Mean values of VO2peak for two-legged exercise were significantly higher than that for one-legged exercise (P < 0.01); however, it was much lower than two times of that for one-legged exercise even in knee extension exercise where the VO2peak would be limited peripherally. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the differential VO2 response between one-legged and two-legged exercise would be attributed not only to the difference in force application throughout the exercise movement and to the effect of a postural component but also to the inhibited circulatory response caused by the multiple limb exercise. In addition, it was supposed that VO2peak does not increase in proportion to the exercising muscle mass even during smaller muscle activity where the cardiac pumping capacity has not reached its upper limit.

Adult↗

Effect of hand paddles on anaerobic energy release during supramaximal swimming.

PURPOSE: Swimmers swim faster using hand paddles. In this study the effect of maximal performance using hand paddles on aerobic and anaerobic energy release during supramaximal swimming was examined by comparing the maximal accumulated O2 deficit, and the aerobic and anaerobic energy release during exhaustive swimming with paddles (P) to swimming without paddles (hands only, H). METHODS: The subjects were six trained college male swimmers. Experiments were carried out in a swimming flume. The water flow rate was set before each exercise bout such that exhaustion occurred in 30 s, 1 min, or 2-3 min. Accumulated O2 deficit during exercise was determined by the accumulated oxygen demand minus the accumulated O2 uptake. RESULTS: Water flow rates at which maximal accumulated O2 deficit was obtained were significantly higher in P than that in H. However, mean values of maximal accumulated O2 deficit during H and P were 2.40+/-0.42 L and 2.32+/-0.37 L, respectively, and there was no significant difference between these two values. Furthermore, during the supramaximal swimming to exhaustion in 30 s, 1 min, or 2-3 min, both accumulated O2 uptake and accumulated O2 deficit did not significantly differ between these conditions, although mean water flow rates of these supramaximal swimming bouts were significantly higher in P than those in H again. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the faster swimming speed accomplished with hand paddles does not affect metabolic responses and that it may be realized by recruitment of roughly the same muscle mass. Therefore, the ability to swim faster with hand paddles might mainly be attributed to other than metabolic factors, i.e., a higher propelling efficiency.

Adult↗

Simulated front crawl swimming performance related to critical speed and critical power.

PURPOSE: Competitive pool swimming events range in distance from 50 to 1500 m. Given the difference in performance times (+/- 23-1000 s), the contribution of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems changes considerably with race distance. In training practice the regression line between swimming distance and time (Distance = critical velocity x time + anaerobic swimming capacity) is used to determine the individual capacity of the aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. Although there is confidence that critical velocity and anaerobic swimming capacity are fitness measures that separate aerobic and anaerobic components, a firm theoretical basis for the interpretation of these results does not exist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the critical power concept and anaerobic swimming capacity as measures of the aerobic and anaerobic capacity using a modeling approach. METHODS: A systems model was developed that relates the mechanics and energetics involved in front crawl swimming performance. From actual swimming flume measurements, the time dependent aerobic and anaerobic energy release was modeled. Data derived from the literature were used to relate the energy cost of front crawl swimming to swimming velocity. A balance should exist between the energy cost to swim a distance in a certain time and the concomitant aerobic and anaerobic energy release. The ensuing model was used to predict performance times over a range of distances (50-1500 m) and to calculate the regression line between swimming distance and time. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Using a sensitivity analysis, it was demonstrated that the critical velocity is indicative for the capacity of the aerobic energy system. Estimates of the anaerobic swimming capacity, however, were influenced by variations in both anaerobic and aerobic energy release. Therefore, it was concluded that the anaerobic swimming capacity does not provide a reliable estimate of the anaerobic capacity.

Adolescent↗

Metabolic profile of high intensity intermittent exercises.

To evaluate the magnitude of the stress on the aerobic and the anaerobic energy release systems during high intensity bicycle training, two commonly used protocols (IE1 and IE2) were examined during bicycling. IE1 consisted of one set of 6-7 bouts of 20-s exercise at an intensity of approximately 170% of the subject's maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) with a 10-s rest between each bout. IE2 involved one set of 4-5 bouts of 30-s exercise at an intensity of approximately 200% of the subject's VO2max and a 2-min rest between each bout. The accumulated oxygen deficit of IE1 (69 +/- 8 ml.kg-1, mean +/- SD) was significantly higher than that of IE2 (46 +/- 12 ml.kg-1, N = 9, p < 0.01). The accumulated oxygen deficit of IE1 was not significantly different from the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (the anaerobic capacity) of the subjects (69 +/- 10 ml.kg-1), whereas the corresponding value for IE2 was less than the subjects' maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (P < 0.01). The peak oxygen uptake during the last 10 s of the IE1 (55 +/- 6 ml.kg-1.min-1) was not significantly less than the VO2max of the subjects (57 +/- 6 ml.kg-1.min-1). The peak oxygen uptake during the last 10 s of IE2 (47 +/- 8 ml.kg-1.min-1) was lower than the VO2max (P < 0.01). In conclusion, this study showed that intermittent exercise defined by the IE1 protocol may tax both the anaerobic and aerobic energy releasing systems almost maximally.

Adult↗

Differential cardiorespiratory response to combined exercise with different combinations of forearm and calf exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether cardiorespiratory responses to combined rhythmic exercise (60 contractions.min-1) was affected by different combinations of upper and lower limb exercise in seven healthy women. Six different rhythmic exercises were compared: 6-min rhythmic handgrip at 10% of isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (H10); 6-min rhythmic plantar flexion at 10% MVC (P10); exhausting rhythmic handgrip at 50% MVC (H50); exhausting rhythmic plantar flexion at 50% MVC (P50); H50 was added to P10 (P10H50); and P50 was added to H10 (H10P50). Exercise duration, after handgrip was combined with plantar flexion (P10H50), was shorter than that of H50, although the exercise duration of H10P50 was not significantly different from P50. No significant difference was found between the difference from rest in oxygen uptake (delta VO2) during H10P50 and the sum of delta VO2 during H10 and P50. Also, the differences from rest in forearm blood flow (delta FBF) and calf blood flow (delta CBF) during H10P50 were not significantly different from delta FBF in H10 and from delta CBF in P50. In contrast, delta VO2 in P10H50 was lower than the sum of delta VO2 in P10 and H50 (P < 0.05), and delta FBF in P10H50 was lower than that in H50 (P < 0.05), while delta CBF was not significantly different between P10H50 and P10. The changes in heart rate from rest (delta HR) during the combined exercises were lower than the sums of delta HR in the corresponding single exercises (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated an inhibitory summation of several cardiorespiratory responses to combined exercise resulting in a reduction in exercise performance which would seem to occur easily when upperlimb exercise is added to lower limb exercise.

Adult↗

Vasoconstriction in active calf persists after discontinuation of combined exercise with high-intensity elbow flexion.

The present study aimed to determine whether vasoconstriction in active calf occurring during combined exercise diminished or persisted when added low- and high-intensity elbow flexion exercise ceased and single leg exercise continued. Six active women (mean age, 21.2 years) participated in this study. During 10-min plantar flexion exercise at 10% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), elbow flexion exercise at 10% MVC was added over the 3rd and 4th min. Calf blood flow did not change significantly upon superimposition and cessation of this elbow flexion exercise. However, when elbow flexion exercise at 50% MVC was added during the 7th and 8th min, calf blood flow above the resting value (2.23 +/- 0.23 mL 100 mL-1 min-1) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 6.72 +/- 0.87 (6th min) to 5.14 +/- 1.36 mL 100 mL-1 min-1 after 2 min of combined exercise and was accompanied by a similar change in the non-exercising calf blood flow value. The vascular conductance of the exercising calf decreased significantly (P < 0.01) from 6.48 +/- 1.08 (6th min) to 3.11 +/- 1.27 mL 100 mL-1 min-1 mmHg-1 at the end of the 2nd min of combined plantar flexion exercise with elbow flexion exercise at 50% MVC. After elbow flexion exercise at 50% MVC was discontinued and plantar flexion exercise at 10% MVC alone was performed, the vascular conductance in the exercising calf remained significantly low for the next 2 min. These results indicate that the vasoconstriction induced by adding high-intensity arm exercise is persistent, suggesting a major contribution of metabo-receptor-mediated vasoconstriction rather than central command- and mechano-receptor-mediated vasoconstriction.

Adult↗

Anaerobic capacity and maximal oxygen uptake during arm stroke, leg kicking and whole body swimming.

In the present study, we determined both anaerobic capacity (the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during arm stroke (A), leg kicking (K), and whole body swimming (S), and compared them. The subjects were six trained college swimmers (two male and four female), aged 20 +/- 1 years. To determine VO2max for A, K and S, VO2max was measured during a 6-min swim at constant water flow rates. VO2 was measured by the Douglas bag method. Anaerobic capacity was determined by accumulated oxygen deficit during exercise lasting 2-3 min according to the methods of Medbø et al. Mean values of VO2max during A, K and S were 2.53 +/- 0.37 L min-1, 2.93 +/- 0.37 L min-1, and 3.23 +/- 0.43 L min-1, respectively. Those in A and K corresponded to 78.2% and 91.0% of that in S. Mean values of anaerobic capacity during A, K and S were 2.15 +/- 0.31 L, 2.52 +/- 1.08 L and 2.99 +/- 0.52 L, respectively. Those in A and K corresponded to 73.3% and 81.7% of that in S. Both VO2max and anaerobic capacity in S were much lower than the sum of A and K, corresponding to only 59.3% and 65.9%, respectively. These results suggest that the total energy production during S is lower than simply the sum of A and K because the potentials of both the anaerobic and aerobic energy releasing processes in the muscle groups involved in A and K cannot be fully reached during S.

Adult↗

Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max.

This study consists of two training experiments using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. First, the effect of 6 wk of moderate-intensity endurance training (intensity: 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), 60 min.d-1, 5 d.wk-1) on the anaerobic capacity (the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and VO2max was evaluated. After the training, the anaerobic capacity did not increase significantly (P > 0.10), while VO2max increased from 53 +/- 5 ml.kg-1 min-1 to 58 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.01) (mean +/- SD). Second, to quantify the effect of high-intensity intermittent training on energy release, seven subjects performed an intermittent training exercise 5 d.wk-1 for 6 wk. The exhaustive intermittent training consisted of seven to eight sets of 20-s exercise at an intensity of about 170% of VO2max with a 10-s rest between each bout. After the training period, VO2max increased by 7 ml.kg-1.min-1, while the anaerobic capacity increased by 28%. In conclusion, this study showed that moderate-intensity aerobic training that improves the maximal aerobic power does not change anaerobic capacity and that adequate high-intensity intermittent training may improve both anaerobic and aerobic energy supplying systems significantly, probably through imposing intensive stimuli on both systems.

Adult↗

The comparison of peak oxygen uptake between swim-bench exercise and arm stroke.

To compare maximal cardio-respiratory stress between swim-bench exercise (SB) and arm stroke (AS), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured in six trained swimmers. The SB was performed at stroke frequency of 50.min-1. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured during exercise at 3-min constant exercise intensities in SB and at 4-min constant water flow rates in AS. We measured a steady-state VO2 within 3 or 4 min after the beginning of each exercise. The exercise intensity or the water flow rate was increased by 14.7 W or by 0.05 m.s-1, respectively, until a levelling-off of VO2 was observed. The VO2 was measured by the Douglas bag method. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration ([la-]b) were determined at the exercise intensity and the water flow rate at which VO2peak was obtained. At submaximal levels, VO2 increased in proportion to exercise intensity for SB and to the water flow rate for AS. A levelling-off of VO2 was observed in all subjects for both kinds of exercise. The VO2peak during SB [2.13 (SD 0.25)1.min-1] was significantly lower than that during AS [2.72 (SD 0.39)1.min-1] and corresponded to 78.9 (SD 7.0)% of AS VO2peak. Maximal HR during SB was also significantly lower than that during AS. No significant differences between SB and AS were found for either pulmonary ventilation or [la-]b. The peak exercise duration in SB [2.4 (SD 0.5) min] was significantly shorter than that in As [3.6 (SD 0.5) min]. These results would suggest that even though both kinds of exercise use the muscles of the upper body, active muscle groups involved during SB are different and/or smaller, and maximal stress on the cardio-respiratory system is lower when compared to AS.

Adult↗

Exhausting handgrip exercise reduces the blood flow in the active calf muscle exercising at low intensity.

The calf and forearm blood flows (Qcalf and Qforearm respectively), blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen uptake of six men and women were studied during combined leg and handgrip exercise to determine whether a reduction of exercise-induced hyperaemia would occur in the active leg when exhausting rhythmic handgrip exercise at 50% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was superimposed upon rhythmic plantar flexion lasting for 10 min at 10% MVC (P10) prior to this combined exercise. The Qcalf and Qforearm were measured by venous occlusion plethysmography during 5-s rests interposed during every minute of P10 exercise and immediately after combined exercise. The muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) changes were also recorded during leg exercise alone and combined exercise. During plantar flexion performed 60 times.min-1 with a load equal to 10% MVC (P10), Qcalf was maintained at a constant level, which was significantly higher than the resting value (P < 0.001). When rhythmic handgrip contraction at 50% MVC (H50) and P10 were performed simultaneously, the combined exercise was concluded due to forearm exhaustion after a mean of 51.2 (SEM 5.5) s. At exhaustion, Qcalf had decreased significantly from 20.6 (SEM 3.0) ml.100 ml-1.min-1 (10th min during P10 exercise) to 15.3 (SEM) ml.100 ml-1.min-1 (P = 0.001), whereas Qforearm had increased significantly (0.001 < P < 0.01) from 8.6 (SEM 1.9) ml.100 ml-1.min-1 (10th min of P10 exercise) to 26.2 (SEM 3.2) ml.100 ml-1.min-1. The mean blood pressure remained at an almost constant level during the 3rd to 10th min of P10 exercise and increased markedly when H50 was added.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Effect of hand paddle aids on oxygen uptake during arm-stroke-only swimming.

Cardiorespiratory responses during arm-stroke-only swimming with and without the aid of paddle were compared in seven trained swimmers. Water flow rate was started at 0.80 m.s-1 and was increased by 0.05 m.s-1 every 2 min up. to 1.00 m.s-1. Subsequently, the flow rate was increased by 0.05 m.s-1 every minute until exhaustion. At given submaximal water flow rates, oxygen uptake, heart rate (fc), pulmonary ventilation (VE) and respiratory frequency (fR) during swimming using hands alone (H) were significantly higher than when aided by paddles (P). There were no significant differences in tidal volume (VT) between H and P. The subjects were able to swim significantly faster using paddles (P < 0.05); however, no significant differences between H and P were found in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak, Fc, VE, FR, VT and the blood lactate concentration at which VO2peak was obtained (P > 0.05). These results would suggest that the ability to swim faster with paddles does not depend on higher energy production but may be attributed to higher propelling efficiency.

Adult↗

Oxygen uptake during swimming in a hypobaric hypoxic environment.

The purpose of this study was to determine oxygen uptake (VO2) at various water flow rates and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during swimming in a hypobaric hypoxic environment. Seven trained swimmers swam in normal [N; 751 mmHg (100.1 kPa)] and hypobaric hypoxic [H; 601 mmHg (80.27 kPa)] environments in a chamber where atmospheric pressure could be regulated. Water flow rate started at 0.80 m.s-1 and was increased by 0.05 m.s-1 every 2 min up to 1.00 m.s-1 and then by 0.05 m.s-1 every minute until exhaustion. At submaximal water flow rates, carbon dioxide production (VCO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE) and tidal volume (VT) were significantly greater in H than in N. There were no significant differences in the response of submaximal VO2, heart rate (fc) or respiratory frequency (fR) between N and H. Maximal VE, fR, VT, fc, blood lactate concentration and water flow rate were not significantly different between N and H. However, VO2max under H [3.65 (SD 0.11) l.min-1] was significantly lower by 12.0% (SD 3.4)% than that in N [4.15 (SD 0.18) l.min-1]. This decrease agrees well with previous investigations that have studied centrally limited exercise, such as running and cycling, under similar levels of hypoxia.

Adult↗

Changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity and calf blood flow during combined leg and forearm exercise.

In order to examine efferent sympathetic nerve control of the peripheral circulation during exercise, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), calf blood flow (CBF), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and oxygen uptake were measured during combined foot and forearm exercise. An initial period of rhythmic foot exercise (RFE) (60 min-1 at 10% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was followed by the addition of rhythmic handgrip exercise (RFE + OCCL) (60 min at 30% of MVC) and by forearm ischaemia after handgrip exercise while continuing RFE (RFE + OCCL). During RFE, CBF in the working leg, HR and oxygen increased respectively by 560%, 121% and 144% when compared with the control rest period, but MSNA (burst rate) was reduced by 13% (P > 0.05) and BP was unchanged. During RFE + RHG, HR, BP and oxygen uptake were greater than during RFE alone. There was no change in CBF, but a significant increase occurred in calf vascular resistance (CVR) and MSNA increased to 121% of the control level. During RFE + OCCL, MSNA, CVR and BP were all higher than during RFE alone, whereas HR and oxygen uptake decreased slightly, although they remained higher than the control values. The increase in CVR in the working leg and the rise in BP during RFE + RHG or RFE + OCCL might be linked to enhancement of MSNA, which may have been reflexly evoked by input from muscle metabolic receptors in the working forearm.

Adult↗

Blood flow during muscle contraction and relaxation in rhythmic exercise at different intensities.

Effect of contraction force on blood flow during the contraction and relaxation phase of rhythmic handgrip exercise was studied on 6 healthy women. Velocity of blood flow in the brachial artery and the diameter of the artery were studied by Doppler-ultrasound method. Both the peak and mean velocity of the blood flow were significantly higher during the relaxation period than during contraction, and the velocity during the relaxation period was significantly higher in 30% MVC exercise than in 10% MVC exercise. However, no significant differences were found in the diameter of the artery between resting and exercise conditions, nor between exercises at different intensities. Thus blood flow during the relaxation phase was significantly increased from 135.7 +/- 18.2 ml.min-1 (10% MVC) to 182.5 +/- 19.6 ml.min-1 (30% MVC) by an increased contraction force, whereas blood flow during the contraction phase was hardly affected by increased contraction force.

Adult↗

Peak oxygen uptake during arm stroke under a hypobaric hypoxic condition.

The purpose of this study was to examine the limiting factor for swimming by measuring peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) during front crawl (C) and arm stroke (A) under a hypobaric hypoxic condition. Seven-trained swimmers (age; 19-21 yrs, 100 m free style event; 57.2 +/- 2.5 secs) were measured twice under a normal (N) (751 mmHg) and a hypobaric hypoxic (H) (602 mmHg) condition in a chamber where atmospheric pressure was regulated. Water flow rate started at 0.80 m.sec-1 and was increased by 0.05 m.sec-1 every 2 min up to 1.00 m.sec-1. Subsequently, flow rate was increased by 0.05 m.sec-1 every minute until exhaustion. VO2 was measured with an automatic analyzer. The peak heart rate under N was not significantly different from that under H in both C (N; 190 +/- 9, H; 184 +/- 6 beats.min-1) and A (N; 180 +/- 6, H; 181 +/- 6 beats.min-1). Peak VO2 values during A (N; 3.42 +/- 0.27, H; 3.08 +/- 0.19 l.min-1) were significantly lower by 15-20% than those during C (N; 4.18 +/- 0.18, H; 3.65 +/- 0.11 l.min-1) for both N and H (p less than 0.01). Peak VO2 values under H were significantly lower than those under N during both C and A (p less than 0.01). There was no significant difference in the magnitude of decrease in peak VO2 between C (12.0 +/- 3.4%) and A (9.8 +/- 3.8%) under H. This ratio of decrease agrees with previous investigations that studied centrally limited exercise, such as running and cycling, under similar levels of hypoxia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Effect of low blood glucose on plasma CRF, ACTH, and cortisol during prolonged physical exercise.

The effects of low blood glucose concentration during low-intensity prolonged physical exercise on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis were investigated in healthy young men. In experiment 1, six subjects who had fasted for 14 h performed bicycle exercise at 50% of their maximal O2 uptake until exhaustion. At the end of the exercise, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol increased significantly. However, this hormonal response was totally abolished when the same subjects exercised at the same intensity while blood glucose concentrations were maintained at the preexercise level. In experiment 2, in addition to ACTH and cortisol, the possible changes in plasma concentration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) were investigated during exercise of the same intensity performed by six subjects. As suggested by a previous study (Tabata et al. Clin. Physiol. Oxf. 4: 299-307, 1984), when the blood glucose concentrations decreased to less than 3.3 mM, plasma concentrations of CRF, ACTH, and cortisol showed a significant increase. At exhaustion, further increases were observed in plasma CRF, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations. These results demonstrate that decreases in blood glucose concentration trigger the pituitary-adrenocortical axis to enhance secretion of ACTH and cortisol during low-intensity prolonged exercise in humans. The data also might suggest that this activation is due to increased concentration of CRF, which was shown to increase when blood glucose concentration decreased to a critical level of 3.3 mM.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗