Biomedical subjects

W C Byrnes

Publications and source records attributed to W C Byrnes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Skeletal muscle adaptations in response to voluntary wheel running in myosin heavy chain null mice.

10.1152/ japplphysiol.00832.2001.-To examine the effects of gene inactivation on the plasticity of skeletal muscle, mice null for a specific myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform were subjected to a voluntary wheel-running paradigm. Despite reduced running performance compared with nontransgenic C57BL/6 mice (NTG), both MHC IIb and MHC IId/x null animals exhibited increased muscle fiber size and muscle oxidative capacity with wheel running. In the MHC IIb null animals, there was no significant change in the percentage of muscle fibers expressing a particular MHC isoform with voluntary wheel running at any time point. In MHC IId/x null mice, wheel running produced a significant increase in the percentage of fibers expressing MHC IIa and MHC I and a significant decrease in the percentage of fibers expressing MHC IIb. Muscle pathology was not affected by wheel running for either MHC null strain. In summary, despite their phenotypes, MHC null mice do engage in voluntary wheel running. Although this wheel-running activity is lessened compared with NTG, there is evidence of distinct patterns of muscle adaptation in both null strains.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2001

Treatment of exercise-induced muscle injury via hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

PURPOSE: This study examined the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in the treatment of exercise-induced muscle injury. METHODS: 21 college-aged male volunteers were assigned to three groups: control, immediate HBO (iHBO), and delayed HBO (dHBO). All subjects performed 6 sets (10 repetitions per set) of eccentric repetitions with a load equivalent to 120% of their concentric maximum. HBO treatments consisted of 100-min exposure to 2.5 ATA and 100% oxygen with intermittent breathing of ambient air (30 min at 100% O2, 5 min at 20.93% O2). HBO treatments began either 2 (iHBO) or 24 h (dHBO) postexercise and were administered daily through day 4 postexercise. Forearm flexor cross-sectional area (CSA) and T2 relaxation time via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed at baseline, 2, 7, and 15 d postinjury. Isometric strength and rating of perceived soreness of the forearm flexors were assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 15 d postinjury. Serum creatine kinase (CK) was assessed on day 0 and on days 1, 2, 7, and 15 postinjury. RESULTS: Mean baseline CSA values were: 2016.3, 1888.5, and 1972.2 mm2 for control, iHBO, and dHBO, respectively. All groups showed significant increases in CSA in response to injury (21% at 2 d, 18% at 7 d) (P < 0.0001), but there were no significant differences between groups (P = 0.438). Mean baseline T2 relaxation times were: 26.18, 26.28, and 27.43 msec for control, iHBO, and dHBO, respectively. Significant increases in T2 relaxation time were observed for all groups (64% at 2 d, 66% at 7 d, and 28% at 15 d) (P < 0.0001), but there were no significant differences between groups (P = 0.692). Isometric strength (P < 0.0001), serum CK levels (P = 0.0007), and rating of perceived soreness (P < 0.0001) also indicated significant muscle injury for all groups, but there were no differences between groups (P = 0.459, P = 0.943, and P = 0.448, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not effective in the treatment of exercise-induced muscle injury as indicated by the markers evaluated.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Mutation of the IIB myosin heavy chain gene results in muscle fiber loss and compensatory hypertrophy.

The fast skeletal IIb gene is the source of most myosin heavy chain (MyHC) in adult mouse skeletal muscle. We have examined the effects of a null mutation in the IIb MyHC gene on the growth and morphology of mouse skeletal muscle. Loss in muscle mass of several head and hindlimb muscles correlated with amounts of IIb MyHC expressed in that muscle in wild types. Decreased mass was accompanied by decreases in mean fiber number, and immunological and ultrastructural studies revealed fiber pathology. However, mean cross-sectional area was increased in all fiber types, suggesting compensatory hypertrophy. Loss of muscle and body mass was not attributable to impaired chewing, and decreased food intake as a softer diet did not prevent the decrease in body mass. Thus loss of the major MyHC isoform produces fiber loss and fiber pathology reminiscent of muscle disease.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2001

Cardiac and skeletal muscle adaptations to voluntary wheel running in the mouse.

In this paper, we describe the effects of voluntary cage wheel exercise on mouse cardiac and skeletal muscle. Inbred male C57/Bl6 mice (age 6-8 wk; n = 12) [corrected] ran an average of 4.3 h/24 h, for an average distance of 6.8 km/24 h, and at an average speed of 26.4 m/min. A significant increase in the ratio of heart mass to body mass (mg/g) was evident after 2 wk of voluntary exercise, and cardiac atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic peptide mRNA levels were significantly increased in the ventricles after 4 wk of voluntary exercise. A significant increase in the percentage of fibers expressing myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIa was observed in both the gastrocnemius and the tibialis anterior (TA) by 2 wk, and a significant decrease in the percentage of fibers expressing IIb MHC was evident in both muscles after 4 wk of voluntary exercise. The TA muscle showed a greater increase in the percentage of IIa MHC-expressing fibers than did the gastrocnemius muscle (40 and 20%, respectively, compared with 10% for nonexercised). Finally, the number of oxidative fibers as revealed by NADH-tetrazolium reductase histochemical staining was increased in the TA but not the gastrocnemius after 4 wk of voluntary exercise. All results are relative to age-matched mice housed without access to running wheels. Together these data demonstrate that voluntary exercise in mice results in cardiac and skeletal muscle adaptations consistent with endurance exercise.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1999

Acute and chronic hormonal responses to resistance training designed to promote muscle hypertrophy.

Acute and chronic hormonal responses to resistance training were evaluated in 11 college men who completed 12 weeks (33 sessions) of high volume resistance training. No differences in resting concentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I, testosterone, or sex hormone-binding globulin occurred from pre- and posttraining in the trained vs. nontrained control group. However, cortisol (c) decreased 17% for both groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences in exercise-induced responses between Sessions 10 and 20, with all hormone concentrations increasing (p < 0.05) from pre- at mid- and post exercise session. However, after correction for plasma volume decreases, only C and GH showed differences, with C increased from mid- to postsession (48% 10th; 49% 20th), and GH increased from pre- at mid- and postsession for both sessions 10 (0.16 +/- 0.42 pre; 4.77 +/- 6.24 mid; 6.26 +/- 5.19 post; microg x L-1) and 20 (0.33 +/- 0.85 pre; 5.42 +/- 9.08 mid; 8.24 +/- 7.61 post; microg x L-1). Significant correlations (p&lt 0.05) existed only between absolute mean GH increases from presession and the degree of muscle fiber hypertrophy for type I (r = 0.70 mid, 0.74 post) and type II (r = 0.71 post) fibers. In conclusion, resistance training had no effect on resting serum hormone concentrations, whereas similar acute exercise responses occurred between the 10th and 20th training sessions.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Myosin heavy chains IIa and IId are functionally distinct in the mouse.

Myosin in adult murine skeletal muscle is composed primarily of three adult fast myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms. These isoforms, MyHC-IIa, -IId, and -IIb, are >93% identical at the amino acid level and are broadly expressed in numerous muscles, and their genes are tightly linked. Mice with a null mutation in the MyHC-IId gene have phenotypes that include growth inhibition, muscle weakness, histological abnormalities, kyphosis (spinal curvature), and aberrant kinetics of muscle contraction and relaxation. Despite the lack of MyHC-IId, IId null mice have normal amounts of myosin in their muscles because of compensation by the MyHC-IIa gene. In each muscle examined from IId null mice, there was an increase in MyHC-IIa- containing fibers. MyHC-IIb content was unaffected in all muscles except the masseter, where its expression was extinguished in the IId null mice. Cross-sectional fiber areas, total muscle cross-sectional area, and total fiber number were affected in ways particular to each muscle. Developmental expression of adult MyHC genes remained unchanged in IId null mice. Despite this universal compensation of MyHC-IIa expression, IId null mice have severe phenotypes. We conclude that despite the similarity in sequence, MyHC-IIa and -IId have unique roles in the development and function of skeletal muscle.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Bone mineral density and body composition of the United States Olympic women's field hockey team.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate total bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (% fat) in world class women field hockey players, members of the 1996 United States Olympic team. METHODS: Whole body BMD (g/cm2) and relative body fatness (% fat) were assessed by dual energy x ray absorptiometry using a Lunar DPX-L unit with software version 1.3z. Body composition was also estimated by hydrostatic weighing and the sum of seven skinfolds. RESULTS: Mean (SD) BMD was 1.253 (0.048) g/cm2 which is 113.2 (4.0)% of age and weight adjusted norms. Estimates of body composition from the three methods were similar (statistically non-significant): 16.1 (4.4)% fat from dual energy x ray absorptiometry, 17.6 (3.2)% from hydrostatic weighing, and 16.9 (2.6)% from the sum of seven skinfolds. Mean fat free mass was approximately 50 kg. CONCLUSIONS: The mean whole body BMD value for members of the 1996 United States Olympic women's field hockey team is one of the highest reported for any women's sports team. Moreover, the mean fat free mass per unit height was quite high and % fat was low. In this group of world class sportswomen, low % fat was not associated with low BMD.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1998

Sample size required for the accurate determination of fiber area and capillarity of human skeletal muscle.

This study aimed to determine the skeletal muscle fiber sample size required for a reliable, valid representation of an individual's average fiber area and capillary contacts (CC) per fiber. Biopsies were obtained from the biceps brachii of 11 college-age, recreational resistance-trained men in conjunction with a study investigating how muscle morphology changed after 12 weeks of resistance training. The effect of additional measurements on the rolling cumulative means for fiber area and CC per fiber was evaluated using sequential estimation analysis. Results showed that group cumulative mean and standard deviation had stabilized by 50 fiber measurements per individual for type I and II fibers and CC per fiber. Significant correlations (.96-.99; p < .05) existed between the 50th and 95th/100th cumulative individual means. These results indicate that a typical skeletal muscle needle biopsy would be sufficient to characterize type I and II fiber areas and CC per fiber of an individual in most subject populations, although the required sample size for characterizing fiber subtypes might be different.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Energy expenditure estimates of the Caltrac accelerometer for running, race walking, and stepping.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy of the Caltrac accelerometer for estimating energy expenditure (EE) during three exercise modes. METHODS: A subset of 31 women (mean (SEM) age 22.6 (5) years) as selected from a training study comparing various physiological parameters during race walking, running, and stepping. Subjects each performed mode specific graded exercise tests to peak VO2. Regression equations for VO2 v heart rate (HR) were generated from each individual's test data. EE (kcal and kJ) was estimated for each VO2 value based on the respiratory exchange ratio, and kcal v HR regression equations were generated to predict EE from each subject's HR data (EE-HR). HR in the field was monitored by telemetry, and two Caltrac monitors, one set for EE and one to give counts, were attached to a belt over opposite hips. RESULTS: EE-HR was not significantly different across exercise modes. Caltrac overestimated EE (P < 0.01) in runners (14%) and walkers (19%) but underestimated EE in steppers by about 10% (P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: The Caltrac is a reliable instrument but it did not accurately distinguish EE in running, race walking, or stepping in a group of young women.

Acceleration↗

PubMed1996

Muscle fiber hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and capillary density in college men after resistance training.

Twelve male subjects with recreational resistance training backgrounds completed 12 wk of intensified resistance training (3 sessions/wk; 8 exercises/session; 3 sets/exercise; 10 repetitions maximum/set). All major muscle groups were trained, with four exercises emphasizing the forearm flexors. After training, strength (1-repetition maximum preacher curl) increased by 25% (P < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed an increase in the biceps brachii muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) (from 11.8 +/- 2.7 to 13.3 +/- 2.6 cm2; n = 8; P < 0.05). Muscle biopsies of the biceps brachii revealed increases (P < 0.05) in fiber areas for type I (from 4,196 +/- 859 to 4,617 +/- 1,116 microns2; n = 11) and II fibers (from 6,378 +/- 1,552 to 7,474 +/- 2,017 microns2; n = 11). Fiber number estimated from the above measurements did not change after training (293.2 +/- 61.5 x 10(3) pretraining; 297.5 +/- 69.5 x 10(3) posttraining; n = 8). However, the magnitude of muscle fiber hypertrophy may influence this response because those subjects with less relative muscle fiber hypertrophy, but similar increases in muscle CSA, showed evidence of an increase in fiber number. Capillaries per fiber increased significantly (P < 0.05) for both type I (from 4.9 +/- 0.6 to 5.5 +/- 0.7; n = 10) and II fibers (from 5.1 +/- 0.8 to 6.2 +/- 0.7; n = 10). No changes occurred in capillaries per fiber area or muscle area. In conclusion, resistance training resulted in hypertrophy of the total muscle CSA and fiber areas with no change in estimated fiber number, whereas capillary changes were proportional to muscle fiber growth.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1994

Alterations in oxygen consumption during and between bouts of level and downhill running.

Since the etiology of the drift in VO2 during downhill running is unclear, this study was designed to assess the contribution of heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE), blood lactate, rectal temperature (RT), muscle damage, and several variables that have not previously been included in VO2 drift research: muscle temperature (MT), and stride rate (SR) and length (SL), to the drift in VO2. Six subjects participated in a 45-min level run (LEVEL) and two 45-min downhill runs (DOWN1 and DOWN2) at 50% VO2max. Although VO2 increased significantly over time for all bouts, the magnitude [4.3% (LEVEL), 5.4% (DOWN1), and 8.1% (DOWN2)] did not differ between bouts (P > 0.05). VO2 was significantly lower during DOWN2 than during LEVEL and DOWN1 (P < 0.05). MT increased during the three bouts (P < 0.05) but the change over time was not different between bouts. SR and SL did not change over time within each bout nor between the two downhill runs. Muscle damage, as indicated by serum creatine kinase levels and perceived soreness, was less following LEVEL and DOWN2 than DOWN1 (P < 0.05). HR and RT increased over time (P < 0.05) but did not differ between bouts. VE and blood lactate did not differ over time or between bouts. VO2 drift during the three bouts paralleled changes in RT, MT, and HR but appears unrelated to muscle damage or biomechanical factors.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Factors influencing excess postexercise oxygen consumption in trained and untrained women.

This study investigated the effects of blood lactate and norepinephrine levels and rectal temperature on excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) following two different exercise intensities. Six trained and seven untrained women each performed two exercise tests, short-term high-intensity exercise ([HI] approximately 80% maximum oxygen consumption [VO2max]) and long-term low-intensity exercise ([LOW] approximately 65% VO2max) until 300 kcal were expended. Rectal temperature, oxygen consumption (VO2), and lactate and norepinephrine levels were monitored at rest, during exercise, and for 60 minutes into recovery. Exercise times averaged 30.0 +/- 4.5 and 23.7 +/- 0.9 minutes in trained women and 45 +/- 3.6 and 30.0 +/- 0.4 minutes in untrained women for LOW and HI, respectively. Rectal temperature, VO2, and lactate and norepinephrine levels were significantly elevated (P < .05) during HI compared with LOW in both groups. VO2 was elevated throughout recovery following LOW and HI in untrained women only. Additionally, VO2 was elevated until minutes 50 and 40 following LOW and HI, respectively, in trained subjects. Rectal temperature returned to resting levels after 30 minutes of recovery following LOW, but remained significantly elevated throughout minute 50 of recovery following HI in trained women. However, values remained significantly elevated throughout recovery following both exercise bouts in untrained subjects. Norepinephrine levels remained elevated above resting levels throughout recovery following HI and until minute 50 following LOW in trained subjects, whereas levels remained elevated for 5 minutes following LOW and 50 minutes following HI in untrained subjects. Lactate levels remained elevated above baseline values throughout recovery following HI and LOW in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Walking and running energy expenditure estimated by Caltrac and indirect calorimetry.

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of the Caltrac personal activity computer during walking and running. Ten women and 10 men walked at speeds of 2-5 mph and ran at speeds of 4-8 mph on a horizontal treadmill. Two Caltrac monitors were attached over opposite hips: one programed to give caloric expenditure and the other to give Caltrac counts. Oxygen uptake was measured simultaneously. Significant correlations were found during walking between Caltrac estimated and actual energy expenditure (r = 0.91) and between activity counts and net exercise VO2.kg-1 (r = 0.87). However, the Caltrac significantly overestimated energy cost during horizontal walking at speeds above 2 mph. Although there was a significant correlation between Caltrac estimated and actual energy expenditure during running (r = 0.71), the correlation between Caltrac counts and net exercise VO2.kg-1 was not significant (r = 0.29). There was no significant increase in Caltrac kcal or counts with increased running speed between 5 and 8 mph. It is concluded that the Caltrac is a valid indicator of physical activity during walking but does not adequately discriminate between running speeds of 5-8 mph.

Calorimetry, Indirect↗

PubMed1992

A comparison of the oxygen drift in downhill vs. level running.

This investigation explored the recent theory that muscle damage causes the drift in oxygen consumption (VO2) during low-intensity downhill running. Seven subjects participated in a maximal VO2 (VO2max) test and three submaximal bouts [one level (Level) and two downhill runs (Down 1, Down 2) at 40% peak VO2]. Two downhill runs (30 min at -10% grade) were performed to vary the extent of muscle damage. Creatine kinase (CK) increased more after Down 1 (61%) than after Down 2 (11%), as did soreness ratings, indicating reduced muscle damage during Down 2. Significantly greater increases in VO2 over time were noted for Down 1 (15.6%) and Down 2 (14.7%) than for Level (1.2%). Heart rate increased 8 beats/min for Level but 29 and 25 beats/min for Down 1 and Down 2, respectively. Expired ventilation increased more for Down 1 (20.5%) and Down 2 (24%) than for Level (3.5%). Rectal temperature increased approximately 0.8 degree C for all bouts. Because the magnitude of the drift was similar in the two downhill bouts, the findings suggest that muscle damage does not cause the drift in VO2 during low-intensity downhill running.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

A comparison of skeletal muscle morphology with training between young and old Fischer 344 rats.

Muscle mass, fiber area, total fiber number, fiber population and capillarity were assessed in 6- and 25-month-old animals trained by treadmill running at 75% mean maximal capacity for 10 weeks. Serial cross-sections were stained for ATPase activity to differentiate fiber types and expose capillaries. Aging and training effects were demonstrated in maximal running speed and endurance running time. Soleus muscle mass increased in the aged, however, soleus and EDL total fiber number were declining. When adjusted for muscle weight, a significant reduction existed in fiber number for the aged soleus. Fiber area increased in the old soleus compared to young. All changes in the EDL were specific to the deep region. While there was a tendency for the capillaries/fiber and fiber area to be higher with training in the Type I fibers of the soleus, it was only significant for the young animals. Thus, while the majority of variables that showed a training effect did so across both age groups, this was not the case for vascularity. Age-associated changes in muscle morphology appear to be both muscle and fiber specific.

Aging↗

PubMed1989

Endurance training for elderly women: moderate vs low intensity.

This investigation evaluated the efficacy of training at moderate-60% Maximal Heart Rate Reserve, HRRmax, (MOD) and low-40% HRRmax (LOW) intensities in a population of older American women (N = 16, mean age = 78.4 years). Prior to and immediately following a 10-week training program consisting of exercising at the prescribed heart-rate intensity with a caloric expenditure of 100 calories, the following measurements were performed: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), Maximal Lactate Production (HLAmax), Maximal Heart Rate (HRmax), Maximal Workstage (WSmax), Total Cholesterol (TOTC), High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDLC), and Rate Pressure Product Max (RPPmax). Significant differences, p less than .05, were noted pre- to post-training for measures of VO2max, whether expressed in 1.min-1 or ml.kg-1.min-1, and WSmax. No statistical differences existed between the groups pre- or post-training for these measures. The results suggest that the low-intensity exercise prescription provides an adequate training stimulus for older women who have been sedentary and who might be at higher risk for cardiac or musculoskeletal injury, particularly at the initiation of an exercise program.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Creatine kinase and muscle soreness after repeated isometric exercise.

This study examined adaptation to isometric exercise with regard to changes in serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and muscle soreness. Forty-five college-age males were placed into six groups, each performing two bouts of strenuous isometric exercise of the knee extensors. In experiment 1 (N = 27), after performing the first bout of exercise, groups A, B, and C performed the second bout 3, 6, and 9 wk later, respectively. In experiment 2 (N = 18), groups D, E, and F performed the second exercise bout 1, 2, and 3 wk after the first bout, respectively. In experiment 3, group D performed two additional exercise bouts; thus, this group performed a total of four bouts spaced 1 wk apart. Muscle soreness and CK were assessed prior to and 6, 18, and 24 (or 42) h following each exercise. In experiment 1, no significant difference in soreness or serum CK was found between bouts 1 and 2. In experiment 2, a significant decrease in the CK and soreness responses was found on bout 2 compared with bout 1 (P less than 0.05). In experiment 3, serum CK and soreness responses were highest following bout 1 while bouts 2, 3, and 4 were not significantly different from one another. Performance of this isometric exercise results in an adaptation that lasts approximately 3 wk, with the greatest adaptation occurring after one bout.

Creatine Kinase↗

PubMed1987

Creatine kinase isoforms following isometric exercise.

The present study assessed creatine kinase (CK) activity, CK MM isoforms, and muscle soreness following an exercise regimen designed to induce skeletal muscle damage. Eight college-age subjects performed 40 maximal isometric contractions of the knee extensor muscles (10-second contraction/20-second rest). Serum samples and soreness ratings were taken prior to and 2, 6, 18, and 24 hours after the exercise. The CK MM1 and CK MM3 isoforms were determined by flatbed isoelectric focusing (IEF). In serum, the MM1 isoform (the pure gene product) is considered to be evidence of newly released CK from muscle, as upon entering the plasma, the CK MM1 is converted to MM2 and then MM3. A significant increase in serum CK activity was found at 6 hours and remained elevated at 24 hours. CK MM1 increased significantly at 2 hours, peaked at 6 hours, then approached baseline. Soreness did not increase significantly until 18 hours. Analysis of CK isoforms in serum can provide an earlier indicator of skeletal muscle damage than total CK or perception of soreness and may be useful in tracking the time course of skeletal muscle damage and repair.

Adult↗