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Biomedical subjects

R S Staron

Publications and source records attributed to R S Staron.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Cardiorespiratory and metabolic adaptations to hyperoxic training.

This study examined the effects of hyperoxic training on specific cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses. A group of 19 male subjects trained for 5 weeks on a cycle ergometer at 70 percent of hyperoxic or normoxic maximal heart rate, the hyperoxic group (HG) breathing 70 percent O2, the normoxic group (NG) breathing 21 percent O2. The subjects were tested pre- and post-training under both hyperoxia and normoxia. Measurements included cardiac output (Q(c)), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), pulmonary ventilation (V(E)), oxygen consumption (VO(2)), partial pressure of oxygen (PO(2)), partial pressure of inspired carbon dioxide (PCO(2)), blood lactate concentration [La], and fiber type composition. The V(E) was significantly lower at submaximal work rates (P <0.05) and maximal V(E) increased after training in both groups for both test conditions; hyperoxic V(E) was lower than normoxic V(E) (P <0.05). The maximal V0(2) increased significantly (P <0.05) in both groups for both tests and was 11 percent - 12 percent higher during hyperoxia. Post-training maximal heart rate (HR(max)) was significantly decreased (P <0.05) at the same absolute work rate regardless of the training group or test type. The SV was increased at each work rate and Q c was unchanged. The maximal Q(c) increased significantly (P <0.05) for both groups and types of test: for normoxia: NG 27.3-30.41*min(-1) and HG 30.3-32.31*min(-1) and for hyperoxia: NG 24.7-25.6 and HG 27.9-31.21*min(-1). Although working at the same intensity relative to HR(max), HG showed significantly lower [La] following a single training session, yet maximal values were unchanged after training. Both groups showed a significant increase in the percentage of type IIA fibers post-training but HG retained a larger percentage of IIB fibers. Mitochondrial enzymes; citrate kinase, 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase, and cytochrome c-oxidase were increased in the normoxic trained subjects (P <0.05). In summary, training induced adaptive responses in maximal aerobic power, HR, SV, Q(c), [La], and muscle fiber type composition, independent of inspired PO(2). Intramuscular data suggested there may be some differences between hyperoxic and normoxic training and these were substantiated by mitochondrial enzyme and lactate findings. Our data would suggest that transport mechanisms may limit the ability to increase aerobic power.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Correlation between percentage fiber type area and myosin heavy chain content in human skeletal muscle.

Histochemical methods are routinely used to delineate skeletal muscle fiber types. In the present investigation, this qualitative determination of fiber type composition was compared to the electrophoretically determined myosin heavy chain (MHC) content from a large number of human muscle biopsy samples. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle at the beginning and every 2 weeks during 8 weeks of high-intensity resistance training from men (n = 13) and woman (n = 8). Muscle was also extracted from nontraining men (n = 7) and women (n = 5) at the same periods. Six muscle fiber types (I, IC, IIAC, IIA, IIAB, and IIB) were determined using basic myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase histochemistry. Cross-sectional areas were determined for the three major fiber types (I, IIA, and IIB) and used to calculate the percentage area of these types. Electrophoretic techniques were used to separate and quantify the percentage MHC content in these same biopsy samples, and these data were then used to compare with the percentage fiber type area. Correlation analyses suggest a relationship between the histochemically assessed percentage fiber type area and the electrophoretically assessed MHC content in human limb musculature. However, because of possible histochemical misclassification of some fibers (especially in trained muscle) both techniques may be essential in yielding important information about fiber type composition and possible fiber type transformations.

Adult↗

Skeletal muscle adaptations during early phase of heavy-resistance training in men and women.

An 8-wk progressive resistance training program for the lower extremity was performed twice a week to investigate the time course for skeletal muscle adaptations in men and women. Maximal dynamic strength was tested biweekly. Muscle biopsies were extracted at the beginning and every 2 wk of the study from resistance-trained and from nontrained (control) subjects. The muscle samples were analyzed for fiber type composition, cross-sectional area, and myosin heavy chain content. In addition, fasting blood samples were measured for resting serum levels of testosterone, cortisol, and growth hormone. With the exception of the leg press for women (after 2 wk of training) and leg extension for men (after 6 wk of training), absolute and relative maximal dynamic strength was significantly increased after 4 wk of training for all three exercises (squat, leg press, and leg extension) in both sexes. Resistance training also caused a significant decrease in the percentage of type IIb fibers after 2 wk in women and 4 wk in men, an increase in the resting levels of serum testosterone after 4 wk in men, and a decrease in cortisol after 6 wk in men. No significant changes occurred over time for any of the other measured parameters for either sex. These data suggest that skeletal muscle adaptations that may contribute to strength gains of the lower extremity are similar for men and women during the early phase of resistance training and, with the exception of changes in the fast fiber type composition, that they occur gradually.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Effects of sprint cycle training on human skeletal muscle.

Eleven men sprint trained two to three times per week for 6 wk to investigate possible exercise-induced slow-to-fast fiber type conversions. Six individuals served as controls. Both groups were tested at the beginning and end of the study to determine anaerobic performance and maximal oxygen consumption. In addition, pre- and postbiopsies were extracted from the vastus lateralis muscle and were analyzed for fiber type composition, cross-sectional area, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) content. No significant changes were found in anaerobic or aerobic performance variables for either group. Although a trend was found for a decrease in the percentage of type IIb fibers, high-intensity sprint cycle training caused no significant changes in the fiber type distribution or cross-sectional area. However, the training protocol did result in a significant decrease in MHC IIb with a concomitant increase in MHC IIa for the training men. These data appear to support previous investigations that have suggested exercise-induced adaptations within the fast fiber population (IIb-->IIa) after various types of training (endurance and strength).

Adult↗

Fast myosin heavy chain diversity in skeletal muscles of the rabbit: heavy chain IId, not IIb predominates.

The myosin heavy chain (HC) composition of various rabbit muscles was analysed at both the mRNA and the protein level. S1-nuclease mapping was performed with a cDNA probe specific for myosin HCIIa, yielding a fully protected sequence for HCIIa, a partially protected sequence for HCIIb, and an additional signal putatively assigned to HCIId. At the protein level, three fast myosin HC isoforms, HCIIa, HCIIb and HCIId, were separated by gradient PAGE. The results obtained at the protein level were in agreement with the findings at the mRNA level. The expression of appreciable amounts of myosin HCIIb, the predominating isoform of fast-twitch muscles in rat and mouse, was restricted in the rabbit to only a few muscles, i.e. adductor magnus, gastrocnemius, latissimus dorsi and vastus lateralis. Typical fast-twitch muscles such as extensor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior and psoas contained only minute amounts of HCIIb. The HCIId isoform, demonstrated in the present study for the first time in rabbit, is the predominating fast myosin HC isoform in this species. Electrophoretic analyses of myosin HC in histochemically defined single fibers confirmed the lack of fibers expressing only HCIIb in tibialis anterior, whereas such fibers were found in the adductor magnus. In addition to fiber types IIB, IID, and IIA expressing HCIIb, HCIId, and HCIIa, respectively, an appreciable amount of hybrid fibers coexpressing two HC isoforms at various ratios were found: HCIIb > HCIId; HCIId > HCIIb; HCIId > HCIIa; HCIIa > HCIId; HCIIa > HCI; HCI > HCIIa. This fiber-type spectrum indicates possible fiber-type transitions in the order IIB<==> IIB<==>IIDB<==>IID<==>IIDA<==>IIAD<==>IIA<==>IIC<==>IC <==>I.

Animals↗

Muscle fiber types of women after resistance training--quantitative ultrastructure and enzyme activity.

Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle taken before and after 18 weeks of resistance training were compared by preparing frozen cross sections for electron microscopy and using adjacent sections for fiber typing by myosin ATPase activity. Quantitative ultrastructural changes were observed in histochemically-identified muscle fiber types of twelve young women who underwent the training. The percentage of type IIB fibers decreased and IIA fibers increased. The cross-sectional area of all major fiber types increased with training. The absolute volume of myofibrils, intermyofibrillar space, and mitochondria increased with training for most major fiber types (type I, IIA and IIAB), but the relative volume percentages were not significantly changed because of corresponding fiber hypertrophy. Mean mitochondrial size for types I and IIA and myofibril size for types IIC and IIB increased significantly with training. The capillary number per fiber and density did not change with training. Activity levels were measured for selected glycolytic and oxidative enzymes. Cytochrome oxidase and hexokinase increased significantly with training, while creatine kinase, citrate synthase, phosphofructokinase, glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase and hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase enzymes were not significantly altered. The results suggest that this type of high-repetition resistance training causes the intracellular components of all fiber types to increase proportionally with an increase in fiber size. In addition, the enzyme analysis indicates the muscle as a whole may increase its oxidative phosphorylation capacity in conjunction with the decreased percentage of type IIB fibers.

Analysis of Variance↗

The continuum of pure and hybrid myosin heavy chain-based fibre types in rat skeletal muscle.

The myosin heavy chain (MHC)-based fibre composition of adult rat adductor magnus (AM) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles was investigated using single fibre analysis. Microelectrophoresis performed on single fibre fragments demonstrated a predominance of pure fast MHC-based fibre types (expressing only one fast MHC). Most of the fibres analysed from both the AM (72%) and TA (50%) were pure type IIB (expressing only MHCIId). Pure type IID fibres (expressing only MHCIId) were also abundant in AM (20%) and TA (18%). In addition, hybrid fibres coexpressing MHCIIb and MHCIId in varying proportions (fibre types IIBD and IIDB) were found, as well as fibres coexpressing MHCIId and MHCIIa with a predominance of MHCIId (type IIDA) and some C fibres (coexpressing MHCI and MHCIIa in varying proportions). Considered altogether, these data reflect the dynamic nature of adult skeletal muscle fibres and indicate a continuum of MHC-based fibre types in normal rat muscle with transitions in the order IIB<==>IIBD<==>IIDB<==>IID<==>IIDA<==>IIAD<==>II A<==>IIC<==>IC<==>I.

Animals↗

Myosin polymorphism and differential expression in adult human skeletal muscle.

1. Myosin heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) isoforms are expressed in a tissue-specific and developmentally-regulated manner in human skeletal muscle. 2. At least seven myosin HC isoforms are expressed in skeletal muscle of the adult. 3. Histochemically-delineated fibre types (based on the stability of myofibrillar actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase activity) in limb muscles correlate with the myosin HC content. 4. Alterations in the phenotypic expression of myosin provides a mechanism of adaptation to stresses placed upon the muscle (e.g. increased and decreased usage).

Adult↗

Assessment of skeletal muscle damage in successive biopsies from strength-trained and untrained men and women.

The effects of repeated biopsy sampling on muscle morphology was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed in strength-trained and untrained men and women. College-age men (13) and women (8) resistance trained twice a week for 8 weeks. A progressive resistance-training program was performed consisting of squats, leg presses, and leg extensions. Nontraining men (7) and women (5) served as controls. Muscle biopsy specimens and fasting bloods were obtained at the beginning and every 2 weeks and histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural methods were employed to assess the type and amount of damage. Except for a few scattered atrophic fibers in 2 of the 33 biopsy samples, all initial specimens were normal. In contrast, many of the subsequent biopsy samples from both untrained and resistance-trained men and women contained evidence of damage. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed that degenerative-regenerative processes were occurring in both groups. However, training subjects had a four-fold greater number of damaged fibers than nontraining subjects (8.53% vs 2.08%). In addition, only biopsy samples from training individuals contained fibers with internal disorganization (e.g., Z-line streaming, myofibrillar disruption). Calpain II levels in the biopsy samples and serum creatine kinase activity were not significantly affected supporting the light and electron microscopic observations that most of the damaged fibers were normal in appearance except for their small diameter. In summary, focal damage induced by the biopsy procedure is not completely repaired after 2 weeks and could affect the results, particularly cross-sectional area measurements. Moreover, resistance training appears to cause additional damage to the muscle and may delay repair of the biopsied region.

Adult↗

Histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural analyses of single human muscle fibers, with special reference to the C-fiber population.

A muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis muscle of a strength-trained woman was found to contain an unusual fiber type composition and was analyzed by histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural techniques. Special attention was given to the C-fibers, which comprised over 15% of the total fiber number in the biopsy. The mATPase activity of the C-fibers remained stable to varying degrees over the pH range normally used for routine mATPase histochemistry. Although a continuum existed, the C-fibers were histochemically subdivided into three main fiber types: IC, IIC, and IIAC. The IC fibers were histochemically more similar to the Type I, the IIAC were more similar to the Type IIA, and the IIC were darkly stained throughout the pH range. Biochemical analysis revealed that all C-fibers coexpressed myosin heavy chains (MHC) I and IIa in variable ratios. The histochemical staining intensity correlated with the myosin heavy chain composition such that the Type IC fibers contained a greater ratio of MHCI/MHCIIa, the IIAC contained a greater ratio of MHCIIa/MHCI, and the Type IIC contained equal amounts of these two heavy chains. Ultrastructural data of the C-fiber population revealed an oxidative capacity between fiber Types I and IIA and suggested a range of mitochondrial volume percent from highest to lowest such that I greater than IC greater than IIC greater than IIA-C greater than IIA. Under physiological conditions, it appears that the IC fibers represent Type I fibers that additionally express some fast characteristics, whereas the Type IIAC are Type IIA fibers that additionally express some slow characteristics. Fibers expressing a 50:50 mixture of MHCI and MHCIIa (IIC fibers) were rarely found. It is not known whether C-fibers represent a distinct population between the fast- and slow-twitch fibers that is specifically adapted to a particular usage or whether they are transforming fibers in the process of going from fast to slow or slow to fast.

Adult↗

Correlation between myofibrillar ATPase activity and myosin heavy chain composition in single human muscle fibers.

Single human muscle fibers were analysed using a combination of histochemical and biochemical techniques. Routine myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase (mATPase) histochemistry revealed a continuum of staining intensities between the fast fiber types IIA and IIB (type IIAB fibers) after preincubation at pH 4.6. Electrophoretic analysis of single, histochemically-identified fibers demonstrated a correlation between the staining intensity and the myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition. All fibers classified as type I contained exclusively MHCI and all type IIA fibers contained only MHCIIa. Type IIAB fibers displayed variable amounts of both MHCIIa and MHCIIb; the greater the staining intensity of these fibers after preincubation at pH 4.6, the greater the percentage of MHCIIb. Those fibers histochemically classified as type IIB contained either entirely MHCIIb or, in addition to MHCIIb, a small amount of MHCIIa. These data establish a correlation between the mATPase activity and MHC content in single human muscle fibers.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Physiological characteristics of elite judo athletes.

In order to provide some understanding of the physiological capacities underlying successful judo performance, representative values for a variety of physiological variables were determined in nationally ranked male (n = 18) and female (n = 9) judo athletes. Body composition, aerobic capacity, isokinetic elbow and knee flexor and extensor strength, and muscle fiber size and composition of the vastus lateralis were examined. Comparisons across weight divisions indicate that the values of many characteristics varied as a function of size. As weight division increased, relative VO2 decreased (r = -0.53 and -0.63 for males and females, respectively), % body fat increased (r = 0.64, 0.72), and the cross sectional areas of Type I (r = 0.55, 0.77) and Type IIA (r = 0.47, = 0.76) muscle fibers increased. Among females in particular, athletes in the higher weight divisions were stronger relative to LBM than those in the lower division. These results indicate that the physiological profiles of lower and upper weight division elite judo players differ markedly. It is suggested that the factors responsible for success may be specific to each weight division and may represent a compromise between making weight and maximizing physiological capacities and performance.

Adipose Tissue↗

Serum creatine kinase activity and its changes after a muscle biopsy.

The significance of the absolute elevations of serum creatine kinase (CK) levels after intense exercise and injuries was studied by measuring CK activities from seven healthy active males during a 2-week period, with a muscle biopsy taken between the first and second week. Most of the subjects (three lifters and two runners) carried on their normal exercise activities, while two lifters stopped training during the 2 weeks. The weight of the biopsy, number of fibres, percentage of fibre types, and cross-sectional areas of the muscle fibres were measured. The CK levels of the non-active subjects and runners remained consistently low during the control week, whereas those of the lifters were usually 500% greater than those of the other two groups, and fluctuated with the intensity of their workouts. A muscle biopsy, having a mean weight of 71.3 mg and containing 1800 fibres, increased the CK values by approximately 100 units litre-1 (U l-1) in most of the subjects. One runner injured his right hamstring muscles 2 days prior to the biopsy, and his CK values rose from 50 to 4400 U l-1. The increases in CK after the biopsy were not related to fibre type, activity, weight of the biopsy, or number or size of fibres removed. These results indicate that: (1) CK values are consistently lower in normal subjects and runners than in lifters. (2) Weight training results in chronic elevations of CK. (3) Compared to a muscle biopsy, muscular injury dramatically increases CK levels. (4) Elevation of serum CK is observed as early as 1 h after an intense weight-lifting session.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biopsy, Needle↗

The effect of resistance training on blood pressure in normotensive women.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether conventional resistance training alters 24-h ambulatory and manually determined casual blood pressure of normotensive women. Seven individuals (23 +/- 2 years old) trained 2 days week-1 for 20 weeks emphasizing the hip and knee extensor muscle groups. Three sets to exhaustion of the knee extension, squat, knee flexion and leg press exercises were performed. The load for each exercise represented approximately 80-85% of the one-repetition maximum. Average values for 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were not different (P greater than 0.05) pre- and post-training (systolic, 107 +/- 4 vs. 109 +/- 1 mmHg; diastolic, 73 +/- 2 vs. 71 +/- 2 mmHg). Ambulatory values over 8-h segments of the 24 h (day, evening, night) and casual resting determinations of blood pressure were also not affected. The lack of change in blood pressure cannot be explained by an insufficient training response. Knee extensor strength during dynamic or isokinetic actions increased (approximately 43%, P less than 0.05). In addition, biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle showed an increase (P less than 0.05) in average muscle fibre cross-sectional area of 32%. This hypertrophic response was further substantiated by an increase (P less than 0.05) in lean body mass (41.2 +/- 1.3 kg to 43.4 +/- 1.5 kg). These results indicate that resistance training, which increases muscular strength, muscle fibre area and lean body mass, does not alter ambulatory or casual blood pressure. Thus, the concern that conventional resistance training may chronically elevate blood pressure does not appear warranted, at least in normotensive women.

Adult↗

Strength and skeletal muscle adaptations in heavy-resistance-trained women after detraining and retraining.

Six women who had participated in a previous 20-wk strength training study for the lower limb detrained for 30-32 wk and subsequently retrained for 6 wk. Seven untrained women also participated in the 6-wk "retraining" phase. In addition, four women from each group volunteered to continue training an additional 7 wk. The initial 20-wk training program caused an increase in maximal dynamic strength, hypertrophy of all three major fiber types, and a decrease in the percentage of type IIb fibers. Detraining had relatively little effect on fiber cross-sectional area but resulted in an increased percentage of type IIb fibers with a concomitant decrease in IIa fibers. Maximal dynamic strength decreased but not to pretraining levels. Retraining for 6 wk resulted in significant increases in the cross-sectional areas of both fast fiber types (IIa and IIab + IIb) compared with detraining values and a decrease in the percentage of type IIb fibers. The 7-wk extension accentuated these trends such that cross-sectional areas continued to increase (nonsignificant) and no IIb fibers could be found. Similar results were found for the nonpreviously trained women. These data suggest that rapid muscular adaptations occur as a result of strength training in previously trained as well as non-previously trained women. Some adaptations (fiber area and maximal dynamic strength) may be retained for long periods during detraining and may contribute to a rapid return to "competitive" form.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Muscle hypertrophy and fast fiber type conversions in heavy resistance-trained women.

Twenty-four women completed a 20-week heavy-resistance weight training program for the lower extremity. Workouts were twice a week and consisted of warm-up exercises followed by three sets each of full squats, vertical leg presses, leg extensions, and leg curls. All exercises were performed to failure using 6-8 RM (repetition maximum). Weight training caused a significant increase in maximal isotonic strength (1 RM) for each exercise. After training, there was a decrease in body fat percentage (p less than 0.05), and an increase in lean body mass (p less than 0.05) with no overall change in thigh girth. Biopsies were obtained before and after training from the superficial portion of the vastus lateralis muscle. Sections were prepared for histological and histochemical examination. Six fiber types (I, IC, IIC, IIA, IIAB, and IIB) were distinguished following routine myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase histochemistry. Areas were determined for fiber types I, IIA, and IIAB + IIB. The heavy-resistance training resulted in significant hypertrophy of all three groups: I (15%), IIA (45%), and IIAB + IIB (57%). These data are similar to those in men and suggest considerable hypertrophy of all major fiber types is also possible in women if exercise intensity and duration are sufficient. In addition, the training resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of IIB with a concomitant increase in IIA fibers, suggesting that strength training may lead to fiber conversions.

Adult↗

Changes in myosin heavy chain isoforms during chronic low-frequency stimulation of rat fast hindlimb muscles. A single-fiber study.

Fast-twitch rat muscles contain three fast myosin heavy chains (HC) which can be separated by density gradient gel electrophoresis. Their mobility increases in the order of HCIIa less than HCIId less than HCIIb. In contrast to the rabbit, where chronic low-frequency nerve stimulation induces a fast-to-slow conversion, stimulation for up to 56 days does not lead to appreciable increases in the relative concentration of the slow myosin heavy chain HCI in rat fast-twitch muscles. However, chronic stimulation of rat fast-twitch muscle does evoke a rearrangement of the fast myosin heavy chain isoform pattern with a progressive decrease in HCIIb and progressive increases in HCIIa and HCIId. As judged from the time course and extent of these transitions, it appears that HCIId is an intermediate form between HCIIb and HCIIa. Single-fiber analyses of normal muscles make it possible to assign these heavy chain isoforms to histochemically defined fiber types IIB, IID, and IIA. The stimulation-induced fiber transformations produce numerous hybrid fibers displaying more than one myosin heavy chain isoform. Some transforming fibers contain up to four different myosin heavy chain isoforms.

Animals↗