Non-P(i) buffer capacity and initial phosphocreatine breakdown and resynthesis kinetics of human gastrocnemius/soleus muscle groups using 0.5 s time-resolved (31)P MRS at 4.1 T

The effects of short work vs. longer work periods within intermittent exercise on V̇o2p kinetics, muscle deoxygenation, and energy system contribution

We examined the effects of inserting 3-s recovery periods during high-intensity cycling exercise at 25-s and 10-s intervals on pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o_2p), muscle deoxygenation [deoxyhemoglobin (HHb)], their associated kinetics (τ), and energy system contributions. Eleven men (24 ± 3 yr) completed two trials of three cycling protocols: an 8-min continuous protocol (CONT) and two 8-min intermittent exercise protocols with work-to-rest periods of 25 s to 3 s (25INT) and 10 s to 3 s (10INT). Each protocol began with a step-transition from a 20-W baseline to a power output (PO) of 60% between lactate threshold and maximal V̇o_2p (Δ60). This PO was maintained for 8 min in CONT, whereas 3-s periods of 20-W cycling were inserted every 10 s and 25 s after the transition to Δ60 in 10INT and 25INT, respectively. Breath-by-breath gas exchange measured by mass spectrometry and turbine and vastus lateralis [HHb] measured by near-infrared spectroscopy were recorded throughout. Arterialized-capillary lactate concentration ([Lac^-]) was obtained before and 2 min postexercise. The τV̇o_2p was lowest (P < 0.05) for 10INT (24 ± 4 s) and 25INT (23 ± 5 s) compared with CONT (28 ± 4 s), whereas HHb kinetics did not differ (P > 0.05) between conditions. Postexercise [Lac^-] was lowest (P < 0.05) for 10INT (7.0 ± 1.7 mM), was higher for 25INT (10.3 ± 1.9 mM), and was greatest in CONT (14.3 ± 3.1 mM). Inserting 3-s recovery periods during heavy-intensity exercise speeded V̇o_2p kinetics and reduced overall V̇o_2p, suggesting an increased reliance on PCr-derived phosphorylation during the work period of INT compared with an identical PO performed continuously.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report novel observations on the effects of differing heavy-intensity work durations between 3-s recovery periods on pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o_2p) kinetics, muscle deoxygenation, and energy system contributions. Relative to continuous exercise, V̇o_2p kinetics are faster in intermittent exercise, and increased frequency of 3-s recovery periods improves microvascular O₂ delivery and reduces V̇o_2p and arterialized-capillary lactate concentration. The metabolic burden of identical intensity work is altered when performed intermittently vs. continuously.

Muscle metabolic status and acid-base balance during 10-s work:5-s recovery intermittent and continuous exercise

Gastrocnemius muscle phosphocreatine ([PCr]) and hydrogen ion ([H(+)]) were measured using (31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy during repeated bouts of 10-s heavy-intensity (HI) exercise and 5-s rest compared with continuous (CONT) HI exercise. Recreationally active male subjects (n = 7; 28 yr ± 9 yr) performed on separate occasions 12 min of isotonic plantar flexion (0.75 Hz) CONT and intermittent (INT; 10-s exercise, 5-s rest) exercise. The HI power output in both CONT and INT was set at 50% of the difference between the power output associated with the onset of intracellular acidosis and peak exercise determined from a prior incremental plantar flexion protocol. Intracellular concentrations of [PCr] and [H(+)] were calculated at 4 s and 9 s of the work period and at 4 s of the rest period in INT and during CONT exercise. [PCr] and [H(+)] (mean ± SE) were greater at 4 s of the rest periods vs. 9 s of exercise over the course of the INT exercise bout: [PCr] (20.7 mM ± 0.6 vs. 18.7 mM ± 0.5; P < 0.01); [H(+)] (370 nM ± 13.50 vs. 284 nM ± 13.6; P < 0.05). Average [H(+)] was similar for CONT vs. INT. We therefore suggest that there is a glycolytic contribution to ATP recovery during the very short rest period (<5 s) of INT and that the greater average power output of CONT did not manifest in greater [H(+)] and greater glycolytic contribution compared with INT exercise.

Semi-LASER localized dynamic 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in exercising muscle at ultra-high magnetic field

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can benefit from increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of high magnetic fields. In this work, the SNR gain of dynamic ³¹P MRS at 7 T was invested in temporal and spatial resolution. Using conventional slice selective excitation combined with localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (semi-LASER) with short echo time (TE = 23 ms), phosphocreatine quantification in a 38 mL voxel inside a single exercising muscle becomes possible from single acquisitions, with SNR = 42 ± 4 in resting human medial gastrocnemius.

The method was used to quantify the phosphocreatine time course during 5 min of plantar flexion exercise and recovery with a temporal resolution of 6 s (the chosen repetition time for moderate T₁ saturation). Quantification of inorganic phosphate and pH required accumulation of consecutively acquired spectra when (resting) Pi concentrations were low. The localization performance was excellent while keeping the chemical shift displacement acceptably small. The SNR and spectral line widths with and without localization were compared between 3 T and 7 T systems in phantoms and in vivo.

The results demonstrate that increased sensitivity of ultra-high field can be used to dynamically acquire metabolic information from a clearly defined region in a single exercising muscle while reaching a temporal resolution previously available with MRS in non-localizing studies only. The method may improve the interpretation of dynamic muscle MRS data. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Interaction among Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Energy Systems during Intense Exercise

High-intensity exercise can result in up to a 1,000-fold increase in the rate of ATP demand compared to that at rest (Newsholme et al., 1983). To sustain muscle contraction, ATP needs to be regenerated at a rate complementary to ATP demand. Three energy systems function to replenish ATP in muscle: (1) Phosphagen, (2) Glycolytic, and (3) Mitochondrial Respiration. The three systems differ in the substrates used, products, maximal rate of ATP regeneration, capacity of ATP regeneration, and their associated contributions to fatigue. In this exercise context, fatigue is best defined as a decreasing force production during muscle contraction despite constant or increasing effort. The replenishment of ATP during intense exercise is the result of a coordinated metabolic response in which all energy systems contribute to different degrees based on an interaction between the intensity and duration of the exercise, and consequently the proportional contribution of the different skeletal muscle motor units. Such relative contributions also determine to a large extent the involvement of specific metabolic and central nervous system events that contribute to fatigue. The purpose of this paper is to provide a contemporary explanation of the muscle metabolic response to different exercise intensities and durations, with emphasis given to recent improvements in understanding and research methodology.

Reproducibility assessment of metabolic variables characterizing muscle energetics in vivo: A 31P-MRS study

The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability of metabolic parameters measured using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS) during two standardized rest-exercise-recovery protocols. Twelve healthy subjects performed the standardized protocols at two different intensities; i.e., a moderate intensity (MOD) repeated over a two-month period and heavy intensity (HEAVY) repeated over a year's time. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using coefficient of variation (CV), limits of agreement (LOA), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). During exercise and recovery periods, most of the metabolic parameters exhibited a good reliability. The CVs of individual concentration of phosphocreatine ([PCr]), concentration of adenosine diphosphate ([ADP]), and pH values recorded at end of the HEAVY exercise were lower than 15%. The CV calculated for the rate of PCr resynthesis and the maximal oxidative capacity were less than 13% during the HEAVY protocol. Inferred parameters such as oxidative and total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production rates exhibited a good reliability (ICC approximately 0.7; CV < 15% during the HEAVY protocol). Our results demonstrated that measurement error using (31)P-MRS during a standardized exercise was low and that biological variability accounted for the vast majority of the measurement variability. In addition, the corresponding metabolic measurements can reliably be used for longitudinal studies performed even over a long period of time.

Relationship between metabolic function and skeletal muscle fatigue during a 90 s maximal isometric contraction

Little is known concerning the contributions of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), anaerobic glycolytic rate (AnGly), maximum creatine kinase (CK) activity, and metabolic economy (ME) on fatigue resistance. The purpose of this study was to model fatigue using muscle tissue metabolic measures during a maximal short-duration isometric contraction. Muscle metabolic function was measured with [31P]-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 54 premenopausal women (age: 33.8+/-6.3 y) while they performed 100% isometric plantar flexions. Multiple regression analysis revealed that all metabolic variables were independent predictors of fatigue resistance after adjusting for maximum isometric force generated (R2=0.56). ME accounted for the largest portion (36%) of overall shared variance. OxPhos accounted for the most shared variance of the three energy systems. These results support previous findings that OxPhos, AnGly, CK, and ME all contribute to fatigue resistance over a short duration. Additionally, the continued activity of CK at the end of 90 s of maximal exercise lends support to the concept of a CK shuttle facilitating energy transfer within the mitochondria.

Intersubject differences in the effect of acidosis on phosphocreatine recovery kinetics in muscle after exercise are due to differences in proton efflux rates

(31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides the possibility of obtaining bioenergetic data during skeletal muscle exercise and recovery. The time constant of phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery (tau(PCr)) has been used as a measure of mitochondrial function. However, cytosolic pH has a strong influence on the kinetics of PCr recovery, and it has been suggested that tau(PCr) should be normalized for end-exercise pH. A general correction can only be applied if there are no intersubject differences in the pH dependence of tau(PCr). We investigated the pH dependence of tau(PCr) on a subject-by-subject basis. Furthermore, we determined the kinetics of proton efflux at the start of recovery. Intracellular acidosis slowed PCr recovery, and the pH dependence of tau(PCr) differed among subjects, ranging from -33.0 to -75.3 s/pH unit. The slope of the relation between tau(PCr) and end-exercise pH was positively correlated with both the proton efflux rate and the apparent proton efflux rate constant, indicating that subjects with a smaller pH dependence of tau(PCr) have a higher proton efflux rate. Our study implies that simply correcting tau(PCr) for end-exercise pH is not adequate, in particular when comparing patients and control subjects, because certain disorders are characterized by altered proton efflux from muscle fibers.

Dynamic MRS and MRI of skeletal muscle function and biomechanics

MR is a powerful technique for studying the biomechanical and functional properties of skeletal muscle in vivo in health and disease. This review focuses on 31P, 1H and 13C MR spectroscopy for assessment of the dynamics of muscle metabolism and on dynamic 1H MRI methods for non-invasive measurement of the biomechanical and functional properties of skeletal muscle. The information thus obtained ranges from the microscopic level of the metabolism of the myocyte to the macroscopic level of the contractile function of muscle complexes. The MR technology presented plays a vital role in achieving a better understanding of many basic aspects of muscle function, including the regulation of mitochondrial activity and the intricate interplay between muscle fiber organization and contractile function. In addition, these tools are increasingly being employed to establish novel diagnostic procedures as well as to monitor the effects of therapeutic and lifestyle interventions for muscle disorders that have an increasing impact in modern society.

Relationship between insulin sensitivity and in vivo mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle

Recent data have shown that individuals with low insulin sensitivity (S(I)) also have reduced whole body maximal oxygen uptake. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) whether muscle mitochondrial function was independently related to S(I) after being adjusted for known determinants of S(I) and 2) whether lower S(I) among African-American (AA) vs. Caucasian-American (CA) women was due to lower muscle mitochondrial function among AA women. Subjects were 37 CA and 22 AA premenopausal women (age: 33.6 +/- 6.3 yr). Mitochondrial function [time constant of ADP (ADP(tc))] was assessed during a 90-s unilateral isometric contraction using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, S(I) with an intravenous glucose tolerance test, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) with computed tomography. ANOVA was used to compare AA and CA groups, and multiple linear regression modeling was used to identify independent predictors of S(I). Between-race comparisons indicated that muscle oxidative capacity was lower among AAs vs. CAs (ADP(tc): 25.6 +/- 9.8 vs. 21.4 +/- 9.9 s). Multiple linear regression models for the dependent variable S(I) contained 1) VAT and race and 2) VAT, race, and ADP(tc). Significant independent effects for all predictor variables were observed in both the first (r(2) = 0.345) and second (r(2) = 0.410) models. The partial correlation for race was lower in the second model (-0.404 vs. -0.300), suggesting that muscle mitochondrial function contributed to the racial difference in S(I). Lower muscle mitochondrial function among AAs may in part explain lower S(I) among them.

In vivo ATP production during free-flow and ischaemic muscle contractions in humans

The aim of this study was to determine how ATP synthesis and contractility in vivo are altered by ischaemia in working human skeletal muscle. The hypotheses were: (1) glycolytic flux would be higher during ischaemic (ISC) compared to free-flow (FF) muscle contractions, in compensation for reduced oxidative ATP synthesis, and (2) ischaemic muscle fatigue would be related to the accumulation of inhibitory metabolic by-products rather than to the phosphorylation potential ([ATP]/[ADP][P(i)]) of the muscle. Twelve healthy adults (6 men, 6 women) performed six intermittent maximal isometric contractions of the ankle dorsiflexors (12 s contract, 12 s relax), once with intact blood flow and once with local ischaemia by thigh cuff inflation to 220 Torr. Intracellular phosphorous metabolites and pH were measured non-invasively with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and rates of ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation, anaerobic glycolysis, and the creatine kinase reaction were determined. The force-time integral declined more during ISC (66 +/- 3% initial) than FF (75 +/- 2% initial, P = 0.002), indicating greater fatigue in ISC. [ATP] was preserved in both protocols, indicating matching of ATP production and use under both conditions. Glycolytic flux (mm s(-1)) was similar during FF and ISC (P = 0.16). Total ATP synthesis rate was lower during ISC, despite adjustment for the greater muscle fatigue in this condition (P < 0.001). Fatigue was linearly associated with diprotonated inorganic phosphate (FF r = 0.94 +/- 0.01, ISC r = 0.92 +/- 0.02), but not phosphorylation potential. These data provide novel evidence that ATP supply and demand in vivo are balanced in human skeletal muscle during ischaemic work, not through higher glycolytic flux, but rather through increased metabolic economy and decreased rates of ATP consumption as fatigue ensues.

A gated 31P NMR method for the estimation of phosphocreatine recovery time and contractile ATP cost in human muscle

Muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery time constant (an index of muscle aerobic capacity) and contractile ATP cost were estimated from a gated (31)P NMR protocol which does not require intense, repetitive exercise. Subjects performed 2-s duration, maximum voluntary isometric ankle dorsiflexion contractions at 30-s intervals for 8 min (total 15 contractions), while single-shot (31)P spectra (51.7 MHz, TR 3 s) were acquired from the anterior compartment muscle. Spectra from the sixth through 15th contractions were retrospectively sorted, yielding 10 spectra (each 10 averages) gated to times before and after contraction. There was no significant decrease in muscle pH, allowing the calculation of contractile ATP cost directly from the percentage change in PCr during contraction cycles [8.86 +/- 0.82% (SE, n = 11) of PCr at rest], corresponding to an ATP cost of 1.69 +/- 0.16 mM/s (range 0.99-2.49 mM/s), assuming an 8.2 mM ATP concentration. The time constant for PCr recovery (tau 41.8 +/- 4.2 s, range 22.0-60.8 s) was calculated from tau = -Deltat/ln[D/(D + Q)], where Q is the percentage change in PCr due to contraction, D is the additional steady-state percentage drop in PCr from rest and Deltat is the interval between contractions. In the same subjects, the monoexponential PCr recovery time constant after more intense, repetitive isometric ankle dorsiflexion exercise (30 s at 0.5 Hz, 50% duty cycle) was similar to (36.2 +/- 3.5 s, range 16.5-58.8 s) and well correlated with (r = 0.82) the gated result. In contrast to the gated protocol, muscle pH decreased from 7.01 +/- 0.01 to 6.78 +/- 0.04 during recovery after the repetitive protocol. Hence the gated protocol allows the estimation of muscle ATP cost and PCr recovery without intense exercise or muscle acidification.

Exercise over-stress and maximal muscle oxidative metabolism: a 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy case report

OBJECTIVE

31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to document long lasting losses in muscle oxidative capacity after bouts of intense endurance exercise.

METHODS

The subject was a 34 year old highly fit female cyclist (VO2MAX = 53.3 ml/kg/min). Over a five month period, she participated in three separate intense bouts of acute unaccustomed exercise. 31P MRS measurements were performed seven weeks after the first bout and every two weeks for 14 more weeks. In all cases, 31P MRS measurements followed three days after each bout.

RESULTS

The subject showed a decreased ability to generate ATP from oxidative phosphorylation and an increased reliance on anaerobic ATP production during the 70% and 100% maximal voluntary contractions after the exercise bouts. Increased rates of fatigue and increased indicators of exercise difficulty also accompanied these reductions in muscle oxidative capacity. Increased oxidative and anaerobic ATP production were needed to maintain the work level during a submaximal 45% maximal voluntary contraction exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute increases in intensity accompanied by a change in exercise mode can influence the ability of muscle to generate ATP. The muscles were less economical and required more ATP to generate force during the submaximal exercises. During the maximal exercises, the muscle's mitochondria showed a reduced oxidative capacity. However, these reductions in oxidative capacity at the muscle level were not associated with changes in whole body maximal oxygen uptake. Finally, these reductions in muscular oxidative capacity were accompanied by increased rates of anaerobic ATP production, fatigue, and indicators of exercise difficulty.

High-energy phosphate metabolism during two bouts of progressive calf exercise in humans measured by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy

According to the literature the steady-state level of phosphocreatine (PCr) has a linear relationship to the workload during muscle exercise intensities below the lactate threshold, whereas this linearity is impaired during exercise intensities above the lactate threshold. The purpose of this study was to investigate the linearity between PCr kinetics and workload during two bouts of isotonic incremental calf exercise with transitions from moderate- to high-intensity as well as from high- to moderate-intensity work rates. Using a whole-body 1.5 T MR scanner and a self-built exercise bench, we performed serial phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS) with a time resolution of 30 s in nine healthy male volunteers. Changes in PCr, inorganic phosphate (Pi) and pH were statistically evaluated in comparison to the baseline. The exercise protocol started with a 4.5 W interval of 6 min followed by two bouts of 1.5 W increments. The workload was increased in 2-min intervals up to 9 W during the first bout and up to 7.5 W during the second bout. The second bout was preceded by a 4.5 W interval of 2 min and followed by a 4.5 W interval of 4 min. PCr hydrolysis achieved a steady state during each increment and was highly linear to the work rate (r (2), -0.796; P <0.001). Pi accumulated during each bout, whereas the pH decreased continuously during the first bout and did not exhibit any substantial decrease during the second bout. The metabolite levels and pH were expressed as the median value and the range. Our study confirms that steady-state PCr levels also have a linear relationship to work intensities above the lactate threshold, while pH changes do not have any impact on PCr degradation. The lack of substantial changes in pH during the second exercise bout indicates that prior high-intensity exercise leads to an activation of oxidative phosphorylation.

ATP synthesis and proton handling in muscle during short periods of exercise and subsequent recovery

We used (31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study proton buffering in finger flexor muscles of eight healthy men (25-45 yr), during brief (18-s) voluntary finger flexion exercise (0.67-Hz contraction at 10% maximum voluntary contraction; 50/50 duty cycle) and 180-s recovery. Phosphocreatine (PCr) concentration fell 19 +/- 2% during exercise and then recovered with half time = 0.24 +/- 0.01 min. Cell pH rose by 0.058 +/- 0.003 units during exercise as a result of H(+) consumption by PCr splitting, which (assuming no lactate production or H(+) efflux) implies a plausible non-P(i) buffer capacity of 20 +/- 3 mmol. l intracellular water(-1). pH unit(-1). There was thus no evidence of significant glycogenolysis to lactate during exercise. Analysis of PCr kinetics as a classic linear response suggests that oxidative ATP synthesis reached 48 +/- 2% of ATP demand by the end of exercise; the rest was met by PCr splitting. Postexercise pH recovery was faster than predicted, suggesting "excess proton" production, with a peak value of 0.6 +/- 0.2 mmol/l intracellular water at 0.45 min of recovery, which might be due to, e.g., proton influx driven by cellular alkalinization, or a small glycolytic contribution to PCr resynthesis in recovery.

Metabolic determinants of the onset of acidosis in exercising human muscle: a 31P-MRS study

Onset of intracellular acidosis during muscular exercise has been generally attributed to activation or hyperactivation of nonoxidative ATP production but has not been analyzed quantitatively in terms of H(+) balance, i.e., production and removal mechanisms. To address this issue, we have analyzed the relation of intracellular acidosis to H(+) balance during exercise bouts in seven healthy subjects. Each subject performed a 6-min ramp rhythmic exercise (finger flexions) at low frequency (LF, 0.47 Hz), leading to slight acidosis, and at high frequency (HF, 0.85 Hz), inducing a larger acidosis. Metabolic changes were recorded using (31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Onset of intracellular acidosis was statistically identified after 3 and 4 min of exercise for HF and LF protocols, respectively. A detailed investigation of H(+) balance indicated that, for both protocols, nonoxidative ATP production preceded a change in pH. For HF and LF protocols, H(+) consumption through the creatine kinase equilibrium was constant in the face of increasing H(+) generation and efflux. For both protocols, changes in pH were not recorded as long as sources and sinks for H(+) approximately balanced. In contrast, a significant acidosis occurred after 4 min of LF exercise and 3 min of HF exercise, whereas the rise in H(+) generation exceeded the rise in H(+) efflux at a nearly constant H(+) uptake associated with phosphocreatine breakdown. We have clearly demonstrated that intracellular acidosis in exercising muscle does not occur exclusively as a result of nonoxidative ATP production but, rather, reflects changes in overall H(+) balance.

Factors affecting the rate of phosphocreatine resynthesis following intense exercise

Within the skeletal muscle cell at the onset of muscular contraction, phosphocreatine (PCr) represents the most immediate reserve for the rephosphorylation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As a result, its concentration can be reduced to less than 30% of resting levels during intense exercise. As a fall in the level of PCr appears to adversely affect muscle contraction, and therefore power output in a subsequent bout, maximising the rate of PCr resynthesis during a brief recovery period will be of benefit to an athlete involved in activities which demand intermittent exercise. Although this resynthesis process simply involves the rephosphorylation of creatine by aerobically produced ATP (with the release of protons), it has both a fast and slow component, each proceeding at a rate that is controlled by different components of the creatine kinase equilibrium. The initial fast phase appears to proceed at a rate independent of muscle pH. Instead, its rate appears to be controlled by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels; either directly through its free cytosolic concentration, or indirectly, through its effect on the free energy of ATP hydrolysis. Once this fast phase of recovery is complete, there is a secondary slower phase that appears almost certainly rate-dependent on the return of the muscle cell to homeostatic intracellular pH. Given the importance of oxidative phosphorylation in this resynthesis process, those individuals with an elevated aerobic power should be able to resynthesise PCr at a more rapid rate than their sedentary counterparts. However, results from studies that have used phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P-NMR) spectroscopy, have been somewhat inconsistent with respect to the relationship between aerobic power and PCr recovery following intense exercise. Because of the methodological constraints that appear to have limited a number of these studies, further research in this area is warranted.

In vivo reduction in ATP cost of contraction is not related to fatigue level in stimulated rat gastrocnemius muscle

1. We tested whether the reduction in ATP cost of contraction during in vivo stimulation of rat gastrocnemius muscle was related to fatigue level. 2. Muscles (n = 44) were electrically stimulated to perform 6 min repeated isometric contractions at different frequencies; one non-fatiguing protocol (stimulation at 0.8 Hz) and five fatiguing protocols (2, 3.2, 4, 5.2 and 7.6 Hz) were used. Anaerobic and oxidative ATP turnover rates were measured non-invasively using (31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 3. At the onset of the stimulation period, no signs of fatigue were measured in the six protocols and ATP cost of contraction did not differ significantly (P = 0.45) among protocols (mean value of 1.76 +/- 0.11 mM (N s)(-1)). 4. For the six protocols, ATP cost of contraction was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at the end of the stimulation period when compared with the initial value. This reduction did not differ significantly (P = 0.61) among the five fatiguing protocols (averaging 35 +/- 3 % of initial value), whereas isometric force decreased significantly as stimulation frequency increased. No significant correlation (P = 0.87, r(2) = 0.01) was observed between isometric force and ATP cost of contraction at the end of the stimulation period. In addition, this reduction was significantly lower (P < 0.05) for the non-fatiguing protocol (67 +/- 9 % of initial value) when compared with the fatiguing protocols. 5. These results demonstrate that (i) the reduction in ATP cost of contraction during in vivo stimulation of rat gastrocnemius muscle is not related to the fatigue level; (ii) surprisingly, this reduction was significantly larger during the fatiguing protocols compared with the non-fatiguing protocol.

Interrelations of ATP synthesis and proton handling in ischaemically exercising human forearm muscle studied by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy

1. In ischaemic exercise ATP is supplied only by glycogenolysis and net splitting of phosphocreatine (PCr). Furthermore, 'proton balance' involves only glycolytic lactate/H+ generation and net H+ 'consumption' by PCr splitting. This work examines the interplay between these, metabolic regulation and the creatine kinase equilibrium. 2. Nine male subjects (age 25-45 years) performed finger flexion (7 % maximal voluntary contraction at 0.67 Hz) under cuff ischaemia. 31P magnetic resonance spectra were acquired from finger flexor muscle in a 4.7 T magnet using a 5 cm surface coil. 3. Initial PCr depletion rate estimates total ATP turnover rate; glycolytic ATP synthesis was obtained from this and changes in [PCr], and then used to obtain flux through 'distal' glycolysis (phosphofructokinase and beyond) to lactate; 'proximal' flux (through phosphorylase) was obtained from this and changes in [phosphomonoester]. Total H+ load (lactate load less H+ consumption) was used to estimate cytosolic buffer capacity (beta). 4. Glycolytic ATP synthesis increased from near zero while PCr splitting declined. Net H+ load was approximately linear with pH, suggesting beta = 20 mmol x l(-1) (pH unit)(-1) at rest, increasing as pH falls. 5. Relationships between glycolytic rate and changes in [PCr] (i.e. the time-integrated mismatch between ATP use and production), and thus also [P(i)] (substrate for phosphorylase), suggest that increase in glycolysis is due partly to 'open-loop' Ca2+-dependent conversion of phosphorylase b to a, and partly to the 'closed loop' increase in P(i) consequent on net PCr splitting. 6. The 'settings' of these mechanisms have a strong influence on changes in pH and metabolite concentrations.

Skeletal muscle metabolism in overweight and post-overweight women: an isometric exercise study using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether skeletal muscle anaerobic metabolism, oxidative metabolism or metabolic economy during controlled sub-maximal and near-maximal exercises is altered in overweight women after diet-induced weight reduction, and whether these parameters are different between normal-weight, obesity-prone and normal-weight obesity-resistant women with similar physical fitness levels.

DESIGN

A prospective weight loss study of overweight women and their comparison with never overweight controls.

SUBJECTS

Thirty overweight, nondiabetic, premenopausal women and 28 never overweight controls were included in this analysis. All were participating in a longitudinal investigation of the role of energy metabolism in the etiology of obesity. The overweight women were recruited specifically to have a positive family history of obesity and have a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 30 kg/m(2) and were studied in the overweight state and after reduction to a normal weight. The never-overweight controls were recruited specifically to have no personal and family history of obesity and were group matched with the weight-reduced post-overweight subjects in terms of premenopausal status, age, BMI, race and sedentary lifestyle.

MEASUREMENTS

All testing was performed following one month of weight maintenance and during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Hydrostatic weighing was performed to measure body composition and a whole-body maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) test was done to measure aerobic fitness. (31)P MRS was used to determine ATP production from oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), 'anaerobic' glycolysis (AnGly), and creatine kinase (CK), as well as muscle metabolic economy. The time constant of ADP (TC(ADP)), V(PCr) (ie the initial rate of PCr resynthesis following exercise), and Q(max) (ie the apparent maximal oxidative ATP production rate) were also calculated as additional markers of mitochondrial function.

RESULTS

Diet-induced weight loss did not have any effects on the anaerobic metabolism markers (AnGly and CK). The aerobic metabolism markers calculated from the initial recovery data (OxPhos and V(PCr)) were unaffected by diet-induced weight loss. However, diet-induced weight loss resulted in improvements in the TC(ADP) and Q(max) in the post-overweight state as compared to their overweight state. There were no differences in any of the anaerobic (AnGly and CK) or oxidative metabolism markers (OxPhos, V(PCr), Q(max) and TC(ADP)) between the post-overweight and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Once the overweight women were reduced to a normal-weight state, their skeletal muscle energy metabolism and economy was similar to the never overweight control women. In overweight women, oxidative metabolism or mitochondrial function may be limited by blood flow to the muscle following the cessation of exercise.

Current awareness

In order to keep subscribers up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of NMR in biomedicine. Each bibliography is divided into 9 sections: 1 Books, Reviews ' Symposia; 2 General; 3 Technology; 4 Brain and Nerves; 5 Neuropathology; 6 Cancer; 7 Cardiac, Vascular and Respiratory Systems; 8 Liver, Kidney and Other Organs; 9 Muscle and Orthopaedic. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted.

In vivo ATP synthesis rates in single human muscles during high intensity exercise

1. In vivo ATP synthesis rates were measured in the human medial gastrocnemius muscle during high intensity exercise using localized 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS). Six-second localized spectra were acquired during and following a 30 s maximal voluntary rate exercise using a magnetic resonance image-guided spectral localization technique. 2. During 30 s maximal voluntary rate exercise, ATPase fluxes were predominantly met by anaerobic ATP sources. Maximal in vivo glycogenolytic rates of 207 +/- 48 mM ATP min-1 were obtained within 15 s, decreasing to 72 +/- 34 mM ATP min-1 by the end of 30 s. In contrast, aerobic ATP synthesis rates achieved 85 +/- 2 % of their maximal capacity within 9 s and did not change throughout the exercise. The ratio of peak glycolytic ATP synthesis rate to maximal oxidative ATP synthesis was 2.9 +/- 0.9. 3. The non-Pi, non-CO2 buffer capacity was calculated to be 27.0 +/- 6. 2 slykes (millimoles acid added per unit change in pH). At the cessation of exercise, Pi, phosphomonoesters and CO2 were predicted to account for 17.2 +/- 1.5, 5.57 +/- 0.97 and 2.24 +/- 0.34 slykes of the total buffer capacity. 4. Over the approximately linear range of intracellular pH recovery following the post-exercise acidification, pHi recovered at a rate of 0.19 +/- 0.03 pH units min-1. Proton transport capacity was determined to be 16.4 +/- 4.1 mM (pH unit)-1 min-1 and corresponded to a maximal proton efflux rate of 15.3 +/- 2.7 mM min-1. 5. These data support the observation that glycogenolytic and glycolytic rates are elevated in vivo in the presence of elevated Pi levels. The data do not support the hypothesis that glycogenolysis follows Michealis-Menten kinetics with an apparent Km for [Pi] in vivo. 6. In vivo -measured ATP utilization rates and the initial dependence on PCr and glycolysis were similar to those previously reported in in situ studies involving short duration, high intensity exercise. This experimental approach presents a non-invasive, quantitative measure of peak glycolytic rates in human skeletal muscle.