Loss of ovarian estrogens causes only mild deterioration of glucose homeostasis in female ZDF rats preventable by voluntary running exercise

Studies on normoglycemic ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats have provided insights about the effects of estrogen deficiency on insulin resistance in lean individuals. It is not completely clear if subjects with pre-established obesity and insulin resistance are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes when ovarian estrogens are no longer secreted, and if physical activity can protect against this susceptibility. Contrasting with their male counterparts, obese and insulin resistant female ZDF (Zucker diabetic fatty) rats do not become hyperglycemic when fed a standard diet. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypothesis that withdrawal of ovarian estrogens in insulin resistant female ZDF rats would trigger overt hyperglycemia, provided they remain physically inactive. Female ZDF rats underwent either an ovariectomy (OVX) or a simulated surgery (SHAM). Thereafter, OVX rats engaged either in voluntary wheel cage running (OVX-Active), or like the Sham rats, remained sedentary (OVX-Sed) for 6 weeks. Fasting glycemia, insulinemia, and glucose tolerance were not altered in OVX-Sed as compared to SHAM-Sed rats. However, OVX-Sed rats showed altered liver triglyceride and glycogen contents, increased pancreatic insulin content and reduced insulin-stimulated muscle pAKT as compared to SHAM-Sed rats. Physical activity in OVX rats lowered fasting glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance and insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake as compared to OVX-Sed rats. OVX-induced alterations in pancreatic insulin content and liver glycogen and triglyceride contents were significantly improved by physical activity. Loss of ovarian estrogens did not cause overt hyperglycemia in insulin-resistant female ZDF rats. Physical activity improved glucose homeostasis despite estrogen deficiency.

Conversion of lignin to aromatic-based chemicals (L-chems) and biofuels (L-fuels)

Conversion of lignin into chemicals and biofuels was performed using the commercial Kraft lignin, Indulin AT. Lignin was depolymerised in an aqueous alkaline solution using a continuous flow reactor generating four fractions. First is the gas fraction (mainly CO(2)), the second includes methanol, acetic acid and formic acid, thus defined as small organic compounds and third one (up to 19.1 wt.% of lignin) is mostly composed of aromatic monomers. The fourth fraction (45-70 wt.%) contains oligomers (polyaromatic molecules) and modified lignin. Pyrocatechol was the most abundant product at high severities (315°C) with selectivity up to 25.8%. (31)P NMR showed the loss of almost all aliphatic OH groups and apparition of catechol groups during depolymerisation.

Effect of voluntary exercise on H2O2 release by subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria

Previous data have demonstrated that, to handle the oxidative stress encountered with training at high intensity, skeletal muscle relies on an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis, a reduced H(2)O(2) production, and an enhancement of antioxidant enzymes. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of voluntary running on mitochondrial O(2) consumption and H(2)O(2) production by intermyofibrillar mitochondria (IFM) and subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) isolated from oxidative muscles in conjunction with the determination of antioxidant capacities. When mitochondria are incubated with succinate as substrate, both maximal (state 3) and resting (state 4) O(2) consumption were significantly lower in SSM than in IFM populations. Mitochondrial H(2)O(2) release per unit of O(2) consumed was 2-fold higher in SSM than in IFM. Inhibition of H(2)O(2) formation by rotenone suggests that complex I of the electron transport chain is likely the major physiological H(2)O(2)-generating system. In Lou/C rats (an inbred strain of rats of Wistar origin), neither O(2) consumption nor H(2)O(2) release by IFM and SSM were affected by long-term, voluntary wheel training. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity were significantly increased despite no change in oxidative capacities with long-term, voluntary exercise. Furthermore, chronic exercise enhanced heat shock protein 72 accumulation within skeletal muscle. It is concluded that the antioxidant status of muscle can be significantly improved by prolonged wheel exercise without necessitating an increase in mitochondrial oxidative capacities.

Effects of acute exercise on the gluconeogenic capacity of periportal and perivenous hepatocytes

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of a single bout of exercise (rodent treadmill, 60 min at 26 m/min, 0% grade) on the gluconeogenic activity of periportal hepatocytes (PP-H) and perivenous hepatocytes (PV-H) in fasted (18 h) rats. Isolated PP-H and PV-H, obtained by selective destruction following liver perfusion with digitonin and collagenase, were incubated with saturating concentrations of alanine (Ala; 20 mM) or a mixture of lactate and pyruvate (Lac+Pyr; 20:2 mM) to determine the glucose production flux (J(glucose)) in the incubation medium. Results show that, in the resting conditions, J(glucose) from all exogenous substrates was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in PP-H than in PV-H. Exercise, compared with rest, resulted in a higher J(glucose) (P < 0.01) from Lac+Pyr substrate in the PV-H but not in the PP-H, resulting in the disappearance of the difference in J(glucose) between PP-H and PV-H. Exercise, compared with rest, led to a higher J(glucose) (P < 0.01) from Ala substrate in both PP-H and PV-H. However, the exercise-induced increase in J(glucose) (gluconeogenic activity) from Ala substrate was higher in PV-H than in PP-H, resulting, as from Lac+Pyr substrate, in the disappearance (P > 0.05) of the difference of J(glucose) between PP-H and PV-H. It is concluded that exercise differentially stimulates the gluconeogenic activity of PV-H to a larger extent than PP-H, indicative of a heterogeneous metabolic response of hepatocytes to exercise.

Metabolic effects of physical training in ovariectomized and hyperestrogenic rats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of regular endurance-type exercise on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin response (GSIR) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats with and without estrogen replacement. To do that, OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were compared with an OVX estradiol-treated group (OVXE2) and a sham-operated (Sham) group. Each of these groups was subdivided into a sedentary and a treadmill-trained (8 wk) group. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (0.5 g/kg) were conducted in all rats 48 h after the last training session. Plasma levels of 17beta-estradiol and the uterus weight were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in OVX compared with results in Sham and significantly (P < 0.01) higher in OVXE2 (hyperestrogenic) compared with results in Sham. Body weights were significantly (P < 0.01) different among groups, in the following decreasing order: OVX, Sham, and OVXE2. The average daily food intake was significantly (P < 0.01) increased in OVX rats compared with Sham, whereas estradiol treatment diminished this effect (P < 0.01). Exercise training was found to alter none of the above-mentioned variables in all three experimental conditions. Although the mean integrated area under the glucose and insulin curves was not affected by OVX, training induced a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the mean integrated area under the insulin curve in all three experimental conditions. It is concluded that the positive effects of physical training on improving GSIR in OVX and hyperestrogenic animals are similar to what has been found in Sham.

Effects of supranormal liver glycogen content on hyperglucagonemia-induced liver glycogen breakdown

The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a higher hepatic glycogen level is associated with higher glucagon-induced hepatic glycogen depletion. Four groups of anesthetized rats received three injections (at times 0, 30, and 60 min) of glucagon (intravenously, 20 [microg/kg). Among these groups, hepatic glycogen levels had previously been manipulated either by an overloading diet (Fast-refed), a reduction in food intake (1/2-fast), or exercise (75 min of running, 26 m/ min, 0% grade). A fourth group had normal hepatic glycogen levels. A fifth group of rats was injected only with saline (0.9% NaCl). Liver glycogen concentrations were measured every 30 min during the course of the 90-min experiment, using liver samples obtained from the open liver biopsy technique. Plasma glucagon concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the glucagon-injected groups than in the saline-injected group. As expected, liver glycogen levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01; 1.6-fold) in the Fast-refed group than in all other groups. Glucagon-induced decreases in liver glycogen concentrations were similar in Fast-refed than in normally fed and exercised rats when the overall 90-min period was considered. However, during the course of the last 30-min period, liver glycogen was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased only in the Fast-refed group. The Fast-refed, normally fed, and exercised groups had a similar glucagon-induced hyperglycemia that was significantly more elevated (P < 0.01) than glucose levels measured in the saline-injected group. Glucagon-induced reactive hyperinsulinemia was observed only in the Fast-refed and normally fed rats, and not in the exercised and 1/2-fast rats. It is concluded that supranormal levels of liver glycogen may be associated with a larger hyperglucagonemia-induced liver glycogen breakdown.

Evidence that a decrease in liver glycogen content stimulates FFA mobilization during exercise

This study evaluated a liver glycogen content decrease before exercise on the metabolic responses during exercise. Rats injected with glucagon (20 microg x kg(-1)) were compared to rats with a 50% food restriction (1/2-fast) and normally fed rats. All were studied at rest and during exercise (26 m/min, 0% grade). Resting liver glycogen concentrations were twice as high (P<.01) in normally fed rats, with no significant differences between 1/2-fast and glucagon-injected rats. During exercise, liver glycogen content was significantly reduced in normally fed rats. After exercise, plasma insulin levels were decreased (P<.01) in all groups, and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were similar in normally fed and glucagon-injected rats and significantly (P<.01) lower in 1/2-fast rats. Exercise caused a significant increase in FFA concentrations in all groups (P<.01). No significant differences in FFA concentrations were found between 1/2-fast and glucagon-injected groups (P>0.05).

Effects of physical exercise on liver ATP levels in fasted and phosphate-injected rats

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of exercise (30 min, 23 m/min, 0% grade) on the hepatic levels of ATP in fasted adrenodemedullated rats, with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium phosphate (Na (2) PO (4 ), 0.91 mM) or saline (NaCl). Sodium phosphate was injected to determine if the postulated decrease in liver ATP during exercise may be changed by providing an excess of phosphate. At the end of exercise, a piece of liver was rapidly freeze clamped and used for the enzymatic determination of ATP levels. Liver ATP, in saline-injected rats, was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by fasting, compared to fed rats (&Xscr; +/- SE: 3. 21 +/- 0.2 vs 2.86+/- 0.2 micromol/g). Exercise in fasted rats decreased even more the ATP response in liver (2.58 +/- 0.14 micromol/g). Injection of Na (2) PO (4) did not significantly (P > 0. 05) alter the pattern of ATP response following these 3 conditions (3.35 +/- 0.14 vs 3.0 +/-0.12 vs 2.57 +/- 0.1 micromol/g), ATP levels being significantly (P <0.05) decreased by the fast and the exercise in the fasted state. Fasting and exercise resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in liver glycogen and plasma glucose concentrations and an increase in free fatty acid levels in both NaCl- and Na (2 )PO (4) -injected groups. In both injection conditions, beta-hydroxybutyrate and peripheral insulin concentrations were respectively, increased and decreased (P < 0.05) by fasting, while norepinephrine and portal glucagon were decreased (P > 0.05) following exercise. The main effect of the injection of Na ( 2) PO (4) was a stimulation (P < 0.05) of peripheral glucagon response following exercise. It is concluded that exercise results in a decrease in liver ATP levels even in fasted rats and that this decrease is not corrected by Na (2 )PO( 4) administration. The decreased liver ATP levels might be involved in the metabolic adaptations to exercise.

Effects of phosphate injection on metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise in fructose-injected rats

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an intraperitoneal injection of sodium phosphate on the metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise. Fructose-injected rats were either injected with sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) or NaCl, either in a fed or in a food-restricted state (24 h), and evaluated at rest or after a 30-min exercise period (26 m/min; 0% grade). Liver ATP, phosphate (Pi), and glycogen concentrations were, on the whole, significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Na2HPO4 than in NaCl groups. Exercise resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in liver ATP and glycogen levels in fed and food-restricted rats whether injected with NaCl or Na2HPO4. Exercise, after NaCl and Na2HPO4 injection, resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) increase in liver phosphate and Pi/ATP ratio, and in a decrease in glucose and an increase in glucagon levels in food-restricted rats only. The normal exercise-induced increase in plasma FFA, glycerol, and norepinephrine levels (p < 0.05), observed in both fed and food-restricted NaCl-injected rats, was abolished by the injection of phosphate. The data are in line with the new concept that in addition to blood glucose levels, the increase in liver Pi/ATP ratio could also contribute to the increase in glucagon response during exercise.

Effects of hepatic portal infusion of hypertonic saline on glucagon response to exercise

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of a hepatic portal infusion of hypertonic saline on the metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise. Adrenodemedullated male rats were studied at rest or after 30 min of treadmill exercise (26 m/min, 0% grade). Three groups of rats were infused continuously at a rate of 52 microL/min with one of the following randomly assigned conditions: hypertonic 3.6% NaCl (P3.6% NaCl) or 1.8% NaCl (P1.8% NaCl) infused into the hepatic portal vein, and hypertonic 3.6% NaCl (J3.6% NaCl) infused into the jugular vein. One group of rats received no infusion (SHAM). The infusions of hypertonic NaCl into the portal or the jugular site resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in peripheral concentration of Na+, Cl-, and osmolality at rest and after exercise. The antidiuretic hormone (ADH) concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) increased by the P3.6% NaCl and J3.6% NaCl infusions at rest and after exercise. Exercise caused a significant (p < 0.05). decrease in liver glycogen content, peripheral and portal plasma glycemia, and insulinemia regardless of the different types and sites of infusions. However, the peripheral glucagon response to exercise was significantly (p < 0.05) increased only when hypertonic saline (1.8 or 3.6%) was infused into the portal vein. Portal and peripheral lactate concentrations at rest and after exercise were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in P3.6% NaCl than in all other groups. It is concluded that a 30-min hypertonic saline infusion into the hepatic portal vein does not specifically influence the insulin response at rest and after exercise, but that glucagon response to exercise is increased by such an infusion.

Effects of acute physical exercise on hepatocyte volume and function in rat

The goal of the present experiment was to measure the volume of the different compartments in liver of exercised rats and to get some insights into the appropriate working of the hepatic function following exercise. Hence, livers from male rats were isolated and perfused after treadmill exercise or rest. This procedure was performed on rats that were overnight semifasted (50% food restriction) or well fed. To evaluate the hepatocyte cell volume, the multiple-indicator dilution curve technique was used after 40 min of perfusion. Radioactive tracers for red blood cells, sucrose, and water were used to measure liver vascular space, liver interstitial space, and water cellular space, respectively. The hepatocyte function was assessed by taurocholate and propanolol clearance. Oxygen consumption, intrahepatic resistance, bile secretion, and lactate dehydrogenase release estimated liver viability. Liver viability and hepatocyte function were not changed following exercise either in the fed or in the semifasted animals. As expected, liver glycogen levels were significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in the food-restricted rats. Consequently, liver glycogen levels following exercise were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) only in the fed rats. Despite this, exercise decreased the hepatocyte water space in both food-restricted and fed groups ( approximately 15%; P < 0.01) without altering the sinusoidal and interstitial space. The present data show that acute exercise decreased the hepatocyte volume and that this volume change is not entirely linked to a decrease in hepatic glycogen level.

Physiological effects of variations in spontaneously chosen crank rate during sub-maximal and supra-maximal upper body exercises

The aim of the present study was to compare the physiological responses when the crank rate was chosen spontaneously (Ts) or set at +/- 10% (T-10%, T+10%) of the freely chosen rate, during two upper body exercises: i) a sub-maximal test (T(SUB)) in which intensities ranged from 50 to 80% (118.4 +/- 10.2 to 189.5 +/- 16.3 watts) of maximal power (MP) and ii) a supramaximal test (T(SUPRA)) in which power output was set at 110 and 120% (260.5 +/- 22.4 and 284.2 +/- 24.4 watts) of MP. Eight nationally and internationally ranked kayakers, aged 20 +/- 2 years, performed these tests in which power outputs were normalised in relation to the maximal power output determined during T(MP). In T(SUB+10%), oxygen uptake and ventilation were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than during T(SUBxS). In T(SUB+10%) and T(SUB-10%), energy expenditure was significantly (P<0.05) higher and gross and net efficiencies lower than during T(SUBxS). During T(SUPRA-10%) when the power output was set at 110% of MP, time to exhaustion was significantly higher (P<0.05) than during T(SUPRAxS). The findings of the present study suggest that upper body exercise performed on an ergocycle should be conducted using the freely and spontaneously chosen crank rate.

Effects of portal injection of 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol on pancreatic hormone responses to exercise in rats

The fructose analogue 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (2,5-AM) has been shown to act specifically in liver by decreasing liver ATP and by blocking glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The present investigation was designed to determine the effects of the administration of 2,5-AM on pancreatic hormone responses during a situation of increased energy demand such as physical exercise, and by comparison to the resting response, to test the possibility that the hormonal effects of 2,5-AM during exercise may be dissociated from a decrease in blood glucose levels. Adrenodemedullated rats were injected intraportally with a dose of 200 mg/kg of 2,5-AM (50 mg/ml) or by an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) before being submitted to a 30-min treadmill run (26 m/min, 0% grade). Administration of 2,5-AM at rest resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of plasma glucose and insulin levels and an increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. During exercise, administration of 2,5-AM, as compared to resting values, resulted in a larger decrease in glucose, a similar decrease in insulin, and a much larger increase in glucagon, glucagon/insulin molar ratio, and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. It is concluded that exercise amplifies some of the metabolic and hormonal effects of 2,5-AM, and that these effects cannot all be explained by the decrease in blood glucose levels.

Lack of effects of an acute hepatic vagotomy on insulin and catecholamine responses in rats following exercise

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of an acute hepatic vagotomy on hormonal responses to hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic challenges in rats previously submitted to an exercise protocol. Two experiments were conducted. In a first experiment, 8-week trained (TR) and untrained (UNTR) rats, subdivided into acutely hepatic vagotomized (HV) and sham-operated (SHM) groups, were submitted to an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (0.5 g/kg) under anesthesia. Training was associated with a tendency (P = 0.07) for blood glucose levels to be less elevated (at time point 10 min), and with a significant (P < 0.01) lower glucose/insulin ratio following the glucose injection. The HV did not have any effects on these responses. In a second experiment, non-exercised rats and a group of rats submitted to an acute bout of exercise (treadmill, 60 min, 26 m/min, 5% slope) 24 h before the experiment, each one of these two groups being subdivided into acutely HV and SHM groups, were submitted to an insulin-induced hypoglycemia protocol, under anesthesia. Blood glucose concentrations were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) to approximately 40 mg/dl in all groups 60 and 80 min after the insulin injection. Plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were increased significantly (P < 0.01) in all groups. The catecholamine increase was not influenced by the HV or the acute exercise bout. The present results do not indicate an implication of the hepatic vagus nerve on hormonal responses to hyper and hypoglycemia following exercise.

Metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise in partially hepatectomised rats

To characterise how the liver affects metabolic and hormonal exercise responses, hepatectomised (70%; HX) rats were submitted to a 30- or 50-min treadmill exercise (26 m/min, 0% slope) 48 hr or 7 days after surgery (reduced or normal liver mass, respectively). To determine whether metabolic effects of liver mass reduction during exercise were caused by reduced capacity of the liver to produce glucose, metabolic and hormonal responses to the same exercise protocol were measured in 48-hr HX rats. Euglycemia, maintained by exogenous glucose infusion, produced attenuated lactate, insulin, and glucagon values in 48-hr HX rats but did not affect FFA, glycerol, and plasma catecholamine responses. Results indicate that metabolic and hormonal exercise responses are amplified in 48-hr HX rats. Maintaining euglycemia in 48-hr HX rats during exercise does not reduce all responses. Intrahepatic events, similar to those in a short-term (48-hr) HX liver, may influence metabolic and hormonal exercise responses.

Effects of hepatic portal infusion of deionized water on metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise in rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the in vivo effects of an intrahepatic infusion of deionized water during exercise in rats. Adrenodemedullated male Sprague-Dawley rats were continuously infused for 30 min either at rest or during treadmill exercise (26 m/min, 0% grade). Rats were randomly assigned to one of three infusion conditions (52 micro ul/min) with either deionized water (PW) or saline (PS; NaCl; 0.9%) via the hepatic portal vein or deionized water through the jugular vein (JW). The exercise period caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in liver glycogen and relative liver water content and peripheral and portal blood glucose and insulin while increasing peripheral and portal glucagon and K+ plasma concentrations. These responses, with the exception of K+, were not influenced by the different types of infusions. The increase in K+ during exercise was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in JW rats than in the PW and PS groups. Both the infusion and exercise protocols did not significantly alter the liver weight-to-body weight ratio, plasma osmolality, free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, Na+, Cl-, vasopressin, and catecholamine concentrations. It is concluded that an hepatic portal infusion of deionized water does not specifically alter the metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise in rats.

Effect of hepatic portal injection of ouabain on the hepato-sympathoadrenal reflex

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of an intraportal injection of ouabain (2 mg/kg), an inhibitor of the sodium-potassium pump, on plasma catecholamine response in unrestrained normally fed rats with and without an intact hepatic vagus nerve. Three groups of rats were submitted to two injection conditions each. Hepatic vagotomized (HV) rats were randomly injected with ouabain or saline (0.9%) in the portal vein. Sham-operated rats were either injected with ouabain or saline in the portal or jugular vein. Ouabain or saline were injected at 0 min and again at 20 min. Plasma catecholamines were measured before the first injection and 15 min after each injection. Blood glucose concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) increased by the ouabain injection as compared with basal values and saline-injected groups. The hyperglycemic effect of ouabain was not affected by the hepatic vagotomy or the site of infusion. The injection of ouabain, either into the portal or the jugular vein and either after HV or the sham operation, resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) increase in epinephrine levels as compared with saline-infused rats. Plasma norepinephrine levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased after the second intraportal injection of ouabain in both HV and sham-operated groups. However, the injection of ouabain into the jugular vein did not change the plasma norepinephrine levels. The latter observation indicates a specific action of ouabain in the liver on the sympathetic activity.

Physiological effects of variations in spontaneously chosen crank rate during incremental upper-body exercise

The aims of the present study were: first, to assess the interindividual variations of a spontaneously chosen crank rate (SCCR) in relation to the power developed during an incremental upper body exercise on an arm ergometer set at a constant power regime, and second, to compare heart rate (HR) responses, expired minute ventilation (V[E]) and oxygen consumption (VO2) when the pedal rates were chosen spontaneously (T[SCCR]) or set at +/- 10% of the freely chosen rates (T[+10%] and T[-10%], respectively). The mean pedal rate values were linearly related (P < 0.01) with the power developed during arm cranking (r = 0.96), although large variations of pedalling rate strategies were observed between subjects. Maximal power (MP) and time to exhaustion values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) during T(SCCR) than during T(+10%) and T(-10%). Peak VO2 values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T(+10%) than in T(SCCR) and T(-10%). The increase in HR, V(E), and VO2 mean values, in relation to the increase in the power developed, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when the pedal rate was set at plus 10% of the SCCR (T[+/-10%]) than in the two other conditions. The findings of the present study suggest that the use of an electromagnetically braked ergometer, which automatically adjusts the resistance component to maintain a constant work rate, should be used in order to achieve the highest MP values during an incremental upper body exercise. A 10% increase of the SCCR should be used in order to provide the highest peak VO2 value.

Swimming performances and stroking parameters in non skilled grammar school pupils: relation with age, gender and some anthropometric characteristics

OBJECTIVE

It was hypothesized that swimming velocity (V) and stroking parameters such as stroke length (SL), stroke rate (SR) and stroke index (SI) are influenced by age, gender, and some anthropometric characteristics.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Grammar school pupils from French schools.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand and ninety-seven males and 961 females non skilled swimmers aged from 11 to 17.

INTERVENTIONS

Usual swimming sessions (6 +/- 2 h.year-1) during a physical education program at school.

MEASURES

V, SL, SF and SI (SI = V.SL) were measured or calculated from a 50-m crawl sprint and height, arm span and body mass were measured for all subjects.

RESULTS

The results showed that V, SL and SI increased regularly (p < 0.01) in relation to age in both genders. SL was never significantly different between males and females. SF remained unchanged according to age and was significantly higher in males than in females. V, SL and SI were influenced by age and arm span but not SF.

CONCLUSIONS

As males and females were submitted to the same swimming teaching program at school, a higher increase in muscle power and anaerobic capacity in males could explain the gender differences. These results observed in non skilled swimmers showed that the differences in stroking parameters between genders were the reverse of those of top level swimmers and that they can be used by swimming teachers in order to build some assessment tools and to better understand the improvements in swimming in relation to growth and gender.

Effects of dietary manipulations and glucose infusion on glucagon response during exercise in rats

The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that blood glucose concentration is not always related to glucagon response during exercise. Three groups of rats were submitted to a prolonged (3-h) swimming exercise. Two groups of rats had their normal food intake restricted by 50% the night before the experiment. One of these two groups of rats was intravenously infused with glucose throughout exercise to maintain euglycemia. The third group of rats swam while under normal dietary conditions. Plasma glucose, sampled in arterial blood, was reduced (P < 0.05) at 75, 105, 150, and 170 min of exercise (from approximately 130 to 110 mg/dl) in the food-restricted animals without glucose infusion, whereas a significant (P < 0.05) increase was measured in the two other groups during exercise. A significant (P < 0.01) difference in the mean integrated areas under the glucose-concentration curve was found only between the fed and the two food-restricted groups. Plasma insulin concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) similarly in all groups during exercise, whereas plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.01) in all groups. Despite differences between groups in plasma glucose response during exercise, and despite the absence of any decrease in exercising blood glucose levels in at least two of the three groups, plasma glucagon responses were increased (P < 0.05) similarly in all groups (from approximately 250 to 550 pg/ml) at the end of the exercise period. The increase in glucagon was significant after 90 min of exercise in the food-restricted groups, with or without glucose infusion, but only after 140 min in the fed group. These results indicate that the glucagon response during exercise is not always linked to the decrease in plasma glucose.

Arginine-induced pancreatic hormone secretion during exercise in rats

The aim of the present investigation was to 1) determine whether arginine-induced pancreatic hormone secretion can be modified during an exercise bout, and 2) verify whether the sectioning of the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve can alter the arginine-induced insulin and glucagon secretion during exercise in rats. To this end, we studied the effects of an intraperitoneal injection of arginine (1 g/kg body mass) during an exercise bout (30 min, 26 m/min, 0% grade) on the pancreatic hormone responses. These effects were determined in one group of sham-operated exercising rats and compared with three control groups: one group of resting rats, one group of saline-injected exercising rats, and one group of hepatic-vagotomized exercising rats. Five minutes after the injection of arginine, significant (P < 0.05) increases in insulin, glucagon, and C-peptide concentrations were observed in exercising as well as in resting rats. These responses were not, however, altered by the hepatic vagotomy and/or by the exercise bout. It is concluded that arginine is a potent stimulus of pancreatic hormone secretion during exercise, even though the sympathoadrenal system is activated. These results also indicate that a hepatic vagotomy does not seem to influence arginine-induced hormonal pancreatic responses and question the role of the putative hepatic arginoreceptors in the control of the pancreatic hormone secretion during exercise.

Nutritional status influences the insulin response produced by acute hepatic vagotomy

It has been established that the liver, through the afferent pathway of the vagus nerve, can influence insulin secretion. The purpose of the present study was to determine if this influence can be altered by different nutritional status aimed at inducing metabolic changes in the liver. This was carried out by comparing the insulin response 30 min after sectioning of the hepatic vagus branch in five experimental conditions: a normal (NCD) and a medium-fat (MFD) for 3 weeks, both with and without an overnight fast, and after an overloading liver glycogen protocol (normal diet). All experiments were conducted using anesthetized, adrenodemedullated rats. Blood was collected before and after (30 min) the hepatic vagotomy (HV) or a sham operation (SHM). As expected, liver glycogen levels were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the fasted than in the fed condition, and were approximately 50% higher (p < 0.01) in the overloaded than in the normally fed condition. Basal insulin concentrations were also lower (p < 0.01) in the fasted compared to the fed groups, but were significantly (p < 0.01) increased by the medium-fat diet. Plasma glucose levels were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased by the overnight fast, but were not affected by the hepatic vagotomy. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were similar in all experimental conditions. Insulin concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by the HV, compared to SHM rats, in all experimental conditions (from 50% to 75%). The extent of this response was altered by the diet manipulations as the HV-induced insulin increase was greater (p < 0.01) in the MFD than in the NCD groups, whether fed or fasted. Furthermore, and contrary to our expectations, high hepatic glycogen contents did not reduce the insulin response to an acute hepatic vagotomy. These results indicate that the insulin increase induced by an acute HV is influenced by the prevailing metabolic conditions, and suggest that the hepatic vagus nerve exerts a constant inhibition on insulin secretion, independently of the hepatic glycogen content.

[Effect of removal of the adrenal medulla on the hormonal response induced by acute hepatic vagotomy]

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of an acute hepatic vagotomy on plasma insulin and catecholamines levels in fasted and fed rats with and without adrenodemedullation. Rats were first divided into two groups: adrenodemedullated (ADM) and non-adrenodemedullated rats, each group being subdivided into a normally fed and a fasted (14 hrs) group. Anesthetized rats were first ADM or sham operated, and a jugular catheter was inserted. The first blood sample was taken 30 min later (time 0). Rats were then hepatic vagotomized (HV) or sham operated, and the second blood sample was taken 30 min after the HV. Results (0 vs 30 min) indicate an increase in plasma glucose, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations in rats non-adrenodemedullated. This effect was independent of the nutritional state and the integrity of the vagus nerve. A weakly significant (P < 0.07) effect of the HV on insulin response was found in ADM rats, independently of the fed or fast state (different levels of hepatic glycogen content). These results indicate the necessity of using ADM animals to study the effects of an acute HV. They also suggest that the hepato-pancreatic axis is not influenced by the level of hepatic glycogen.

Effect of hepatic vagotomy on plasma insulin levels during fasting in rats

The present investigation was designed to evaluate the effect of a selective hepatic vagotomy (HV) on the insulin response in rats fasted for 24 h when blood glucose levels were or were not maintained by a constant glucose infusion. Rats were divided into three dietary groups: one group of normally fed rats, one group of 24-h fasted rats, and one group of 24-h fasted rats infused with glucose throughout the fasting period. Each of these groups was subdivided into HV and sham-operated (SHM) rats. Fasting without glucose infusion resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in plasma glucose, liver glycogen, and insulin concentrations and in a significant (p < 0.01) increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate and FFA concentration. Despite the maintenance of plasma glucose concentrations in the glucose-infused groups, the concentrations of liver glycogen and insulin were still decreased (p < 0.01) and the concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate were still increased (p<0.05) at the end of the fasting period. However, no significant differences in insulin or in beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration were found between HV and SHM rats. It is concluded that the decline in plasma glucose concentration during fasting does not totally explain the insulinopenic response to fasting, and that the liver, through the mediation of the hepatic vagus nerve, does not seem to contribute to insulinopenia in 24-h fasted rats.

Effect of hepatic vagotomy on plasma catecholamines during exercise-induced hypoglycemia

The existence of a hepatosympathetic reflex active during insulin-induced hypoglycemia has recently been reported. The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that the liver, through the afferent innervation of the vagus nerve, contributes to plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine responses during exercise-induced hypoglycemia. Hepatic vagotomized and sham-operated rats were killed at rest or after 30, 60, and 120 min of running exercise (26 m/min, 0% grade). At the end of the 120-min exercise period, liver glycogen, glucose, and insulin levels measured in the portal and peripheral plasma were all significantly reduced (P < 0.05) while epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations, beta-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, and portal and peripheral glucagon plasma levels were all significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between hepatic vagotomized and sham-operated rats at rest and after exercise for the metabolic and hormonal responses. These results suggest that if a hepatosympathetic reflex is active during an exercise-induced hypoglycemia situation, then this contribution is probably hidden by more important regulatory mechanisms.

Effect of inhibition of gluconeogenesis on arginine-induced insulin secretion

It is well known that several amino acids, such as arginine, are potent stimuli for insulin and glucagon secretion from the pancreas. Recently, vagal arginine sensors, which modulate arginine-induced pancreatic hormone secretion, have been reported to exist in the liver. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the role played by gluconeogenesis in this hepatic influence. To this end, we studied the effects of an intraperitoneal injection of 3-mercaptopicolinic acid (3-MPA), a gluconeogenic inhibitor, on the pancreatic hormonal response induced by intraperitoneal administration of arginine (1 g/kg body mass) to hepatic vagotomized and sham vagotomized rats. Fifteen min following the injection of arginine, the increases in glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly lower in rats with an inhibited gluconeogenesis than in rats with an intact capacity for gluconeogenesis. There were no effects of the hepatic vagotomy on the arginine-induced hormonal responses either with or without the 3-MPA injection. The results suggest that gluconeogenesis is implicated in the hepatic modulation of arginine-induced pancreatic hormone secretion.

Effect of hepatic portal infusion of pyruvate on pancreatic hormone response during exercise

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of a small infusion of pyruvate into the hepatic portal vein on the pancreatic hormone response during exercise (30-min treadmill run; 26 m/min, 0% grade) in adrenodemedullated rats. Resting and exercising rats were infused with either pyruvate (5% solution; 0.016 ml/min) into the portal vein, pyruvate into the jugular vein, or saline into the portal vein. Peripheral and portal blood glucose concentrations were decreased (P < 0.01) similarly in all groups after the exercise period. Peripheral insulin, glucagon, and norepinephrine levels, either at rest or after exercise, were not significantly affected by the infusions. The response of portal pancreatic hormone concentrations to exercise was, however, reduced by the pyruvate infused into the portal and jugular veins for insulin and into the portal vein only for glucagon. The normal increase in peripheral glucagon-insulin molar ratio during exercise was shut down by the infusion of pyruvate into the portal vein but not by the infusion of pyruvate into the jugular vein or by the infusion of saline. These results indicate that a small blood infusion of pyruvate, even in the presence of a decreasing blood glucose level, can attenuate substantially the pancreatic hormone response during exercise in adrenodemedullated rats.

Effect of inhibition of hepatic fatty acid oxidation on metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise in rats

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of 2-mercaptoacetate (MA), an inhibitor of hepatic fatty acid oxidation, on the metabolic and pancreatic hormone response to a prolonged (3 h) swimming exercise. All rats were first adrenodemedullated and were either submitted for 3 weeks to a normal (5% fat) or a medium-fat diet (MF; 18% fat). After being submitted to an exercise swimming habituation programme for one week, rats under both dietary conditions were either injected with a bolus dose of MA (600 mumol/kg; ip) or with a saline solution. MA and saline injected rats were either sacrificed after a 3-h swimming exercise or after a 3-h resting period. Administration of MA was associated with a lower level of beta-hydroxybutyrate after exercise in rats fed the MF diet, higher resting and exercising blood glucose levels in rats fed the MF diet, and higher resting and exercising levels of hepatic glycogen in rats fed a normal diet. There were, however, no significant effects of MA on free fatty acid, insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations in both dietary conditions either at rest or after exercise. Therefore, the present data do not provide any evidence that the administration of MA, an inhibitor of hepatic fatty acid oxidation, influences the pancreatic hormonal response to exercise. There was also no evidence of a lowering effect of MA on blood glucose levels during exercise.

Increased insulin suppression of plasma free fatty acid concentration in exercise-trained rats

The effect of exercise training on the insulin suppression of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations was studied in unanesthetized rats with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. Seven rats trained (TR) for 3 h/day by continuous swimming during 8 wk were compared with 6 untrained (UT) body weight-matched rats. Both TR and UT rats were submitted to an exercise swimming session 18 h before the clamp. A smaller mean diameter of adipocytes sampled from the epididymal fat depot was measured in TR animals. The total quantity of glucose infused to maintain euglycemia was 2.2 times higher in TR than in UT animals. No significant differences in plasma insulin concentrations were found between the two groups throughout the experiment. Insulin infusions resulted in a 60% decrease of plasma FFA in TR rats (mean value: from 0.46 to 0.18 mM) compared with 27% in UT animals (mean value: from 0.45 to 0.33 mM). The data indicate a greater ability of insulin to suppress plasma FFA levels with exercise training, which suggests an increased antilipolytic action of insulin in adipocytes under this condition.

Physiological aspects of swimming performance for persons with disabilities

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the various factors involved in the performances of three groups of swimmers with disabilities. These factors were average VO2max (Av-VO2max) measured during swimming and gliding factors measured by the passive drag. Thirty-four swimmers with disabilities were assigned into three groups ranging from more disabilities to fewer disabilities. The first group (G I) included 13 subjects in wheelchairs, the second group (G II) 10 subjects walking with technical aids, and the third group (G III) 11 swimmers with disabilities walking without any help. For G I, the performances and Av-VO2max were lower (P < 0.05) than for G II and G III while the passive drag was higher than for G III (P < 0.05). The performances, Av-VO2max, and passive drag were not statistically different between G II and G III. Some of the swimmers had a pronounced amyotrophia of the lower extremities (i.e., reduced volume of inactive muscles). The height from the top of the head to the beginning of the bilateral amyotrophia was called "height without amyotrophia" (HWA). In the whole group, passive drag was not related to the mass or the height but to the ratio mass/HWA (r = 0.71, P < 0.01). However, within each group, passive drag was mainly related to the mass (r = 0.63, 0.78, 0.62, P < 0.01, for G I, G II, and G III respectively). Performances of a 100-m and 400-m swim were mainly related to Av-VO2peak (r = 0.81 and 0.79, P < 0.01, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of physical training on insulin response to intravenous glucose in male peripubertal rats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of regular endurance-type exercise (i.e., swimming) on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin response (GSIR) in 55- and 90-day-old peripubertal male rats. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (0.5 g/kg) were done in four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats: two groups of trained (TR; 55- and 90-day-old) and two groups of age- and weight-matched untrained (UNTR) rats. The UNTR rats were subjected to a continuous food restriction to maintain body weights equal to those of the TR rats. Rats were received in our laboratory after weaning at 21 days of age and were evaluated 48 h after the last exercise bout. No significant differences in body weights were found between TR and UNTR rats, at the age of either 55 or 90 days. A significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the mean integrated area under the glucose and insulin curves was observed in TR compared with UNTR groups in 55- as well as 90-day-old rats. These results indicate that exercise training in male rats improves the glucose tolerance and GSIR before and during puberty (21-90 days) independently of a reduction in body weight gain.

Hepatic vagotomy does not alter plasma insulin response to a low dose injection of glucose

It has been reported that insulin concentration is altered by a hepatic vagotomy following intraperitoneal glucose injection (0.3 g/kg) resulting in supraphysiological blood glucose concentrations. On the other hand, neural activity of the hepatic vagus nerve has been shown to be substantially reduced by lower doses (0.05 g/kg intraportal; 0.1 g/kg intravenous). The present study was conducted in order to examine the role of the hepatic vagus nerve in insulin response after intraperitoneal injections of 0.1 and 0.3 g/kg of glucose. Measurements were made 5 days after section of this branch. In a first experiment, arterial glucose and insulin concentrations were not affected by the hepatic vagotomy following injections of either 0.1 or 0.3 g/kg of glucose. The same finding was also found in a second experiment in which portal glucose and insulin levels were measured after injection of 0.1 g/kg of glucose. These results suggest that large changes in neural activity are needed for the hepatic vagus nerve to influence the insulin response.

Effects of exercise training on insulin response to intravenous glucose in pubertal rats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of exercise training on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin response (GSIR) in 55- and 90-day-old peripubertal female rats. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (0.5 g/kg) were done in: 1) 90-day-old rats exercised in swimming sessions for either 5 or 10 weeks and evaluated 48 h after the last exercise bout; 2) 55-day-old rats exercised for 5 weeks and evaluated either 24 h or 48 h after the last exercise bout and; 3) unexercised 55- and 90-day-old rats. The total area under the GSIR curve was suppressed in 55- and 90-day-old rats exercised since the age of 21 days. However, this decrease was observed 48 and only 24 h after the last exercise bout in the 90- and 55-day-old rats respectively. Exercise did not affect the GSIR curve for the 90-day-old rats subjected to 5 weeks of exercise training (started at 55 days of age) when evaluated 48 h after the last exercise bout. Nor did one single bout of swimming exercise (2 h) in the last 24 h affect the GSIR in unexercised 55-day-old rats. These results suggest that the shorter duration of the residual effects of exercise in the younger rats (55 days) was related to the shorter length of the training programme. Body weight was not significantly reduced with exercise in 55-day-old rats, whereas the same amount of exercise in 90-day-old rats caused body weight reduction of approximately 35 g (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Combined effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and exercise on plasma catecholamine response

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a nonmetabolizable analogue of glucose that, by competitive inhibition of glucose utilization, produces a central neuroglucopenia and a peripheral hyperglycemia. This glucopenic agent was used to gain more insight into the combined effects of central glucopenia and exercise on plasma catecholamine response. This was carried out by comparing one group of exercising (26 m/min, 0% grade) rats injected with 2-DG (2-DG-EX; 250 mg/kg iv) with two control groups: one group of exercising rats injected with a saline solution (SAL-EX) and one group of resting rats injected with 2-DG (2-DG-RE). Significant (P less than 0.05) increases in blood glucose levels were observed 10 min after administration of 2-DG (7.2-13.8 and 7.3-12.4 mmol/l in 2-DG-EX and 2-DG-RE groups, respectively). These elevated blood glucose levels were maintained throughout the experiment in the 2-DG-RE condition but decreased in 2-DG-EX rats to levels observed in the SAL-EX group after 45 min of running (13.8-8.0 mmol/l). The combination of 2-DG-induced neuroglucopenia and exercise resulted in an additive response of norepinephrine (0.59 vs. 0.34 and 0.34 ng/ml; t = 12 min) and an amplified epinephrine response (1.4 vs. 0.37 and 0.31 ng/ml; t = 12 min) compared with the responses to each stimulus alone (2-DG-EX vs. 2-DG-RE and SAL-EX, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biological characterization of induced phages from Saccharopolyspora hirsuta 367 and comparison with phage JHJ-1

Phages JHJ-2 and JHJ-3 were isolated from Saccharopolyspora hirsuta 367 UC 8106 following induction with mitomycin C and amplified on S. hirsuta NRRL B-5792. Their properties were compared with those of phage JHJ-1, isolated previously from S. hirsuta 367 NRRL 12045. The DNA restriction patterns appeared to be identical. One-step growth experiments showed no differences between the replication cycles. Burst sizes ranged from 100 to 110 p.f.u. per cell. However, the three phages showed some differences in their behaviour in different hosts. The host range of phage JHJ-1, on non-lysogenic strains, was emended to include all of the Saccharopolyspora strains tested; the host range of phage JHJ-2 was shown to be identical to JHJ-1. Phage JHJ-3 did not form detectable plaques on strains of S. rectivirgula or S. erythraea except S. erythraea NRRL 2359. Neither phage JHJ-2 nor JHJ-3 formed plaques on any lysogenic strains, while JHJ-1 formed plaques on all such strains except S. hirsuta 367 UC8106. Phage JHJ-3 was characterized as a temperate bacteriophage because it formed turbid, self-limiting plaques and lysogenized S. hirsuta NRRL B-5792. It was spontaneously released from UC8106. Both JHJ-1 and JHJ-2 formed clear and invasive (Inv+ phenotype: the property to grow on old mycelium) plaques on some Saccharopolyspora strains but clear and self-limiting plaques on others. Thus, the expression of the Inv+ phenotype encoded by JHJ-1 and JHJ-2 appears to be modulated by the host cell.

Effect of prolonged exercise on insulin level in the portal and peripheral venous circulation in rats

The purpose of the present study was to compare the plasma insulin levels in portal and peripheral veins in rats submitted to a prolonged exercise to exhaustion (mean +/- SE: 67 +/- 7 min). Plasma insulin levels were reduced significantly (p less than 0.01) during exercise in both the portal and peripheral venous circulation. The reduction was, however, more pronounced in the portal than in the peripheral vein (mean: -113 vs -64 and -162 vs -88 pmol.l-1 after 30 and 45 min of exercise, respectively), indicating that exercise reduced not only insulin secretion but also its removal. Accordingly, no significant differences were found for the portal/peripheral ratio of insulin at rest and during the first 45 min of exercise (1.86 +/- 0.2, 1.76 +/- 0.1, and 1.57 +/- 0.2 at rest, and after 30 and 45 min of exercise, respectively). This suggests that insulin removal during exercise is regulated in proportion to portal insulin concentrations.

Energy cost of front-crawl swimming in women

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the energy cost of swimming per unit distance (Cs) at different velocities (v) and performance level, body size and swimming technique in women. A total of 58 females swimmers were studied. Three performance levels (A, B, C) were determined, ranging from the slower (A) to the faster (B, C). At level C and at 1.1 m.s-1, Cs,1.1 was reduced by 7% when directly compared to level B. The Cs,1.1 was reduced by 10% when calculated per unit of height (h) and by 37% when calculated per unit of h and hydrostatic lift (HL). For the whole group of swimmers, the equation regression was Cs,1.1 = 0.27 h-2.38 HL - 7.5 (r = 0.53, P less than 0.01). To evaluate the specific influence of arm length two groups of long- and short-armed swimmers were selected among swimmers of similar h and performance. The Cs was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) by 12%, SD 2.2%, for short-armed than for long-armed swimmers. To evaluate the influence of different types of swimming technique, two other groups of similar performance and anthropometric characteristics were selected. The Cs was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) by 12%, SD 4.5% for swimmers using for preference their legs rather than their arms. The Cs of the sprinters was 15.7%, SD 2% higher than that of the long-distance swimmers. For all groups, Cs increased with v on average by 8% to 11% every 0.1 m.s-1. These findings showed that Cs variations of these women were close to those previously demonstrated for men. The Cs depends on performance level, body size, buoyancy, swimming technique and v.

Effect of hepatic vagotomy on hormonal response to exercise in gluconeogenesis-inhibited rats

The liver, through the afferent pathway of the hepatic vagus nerve, has been reported to influence the hormonal response to exercise in adrenodemedullated rats. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the role played by gluconeogenesis in this hepatic influence. To this end, we studied the effects of a selective hepatic vagotomy on the hormonal response to a 30-min treadmill run (26 m/min, 0% grade) in adrenodemedullated rats injected with 3-mercaptopicolinic acid, a gluconeogenic inhibitor. Hepatic vagotomy was associated with small but significant higher (P less than 0.05) elevations of peripheral blood glucose levels at rest and after exercise. No significant differences were observed between hepatic-vagotomized and sham-operated rats in either resting or exercising levels of liver glycogen, portal glucose, portal and peripheral insulin and glucagon, and peripheral epinephrine and norepinephrine. All hormonal responses, with the exception of epinephrine, were either decreased or increased similarly in the two experimental conditions after exercise. These data indicate that contrary to what has been reported in rats with an intact capacity for gluconeogenesis, hepatic-vagotomized and sham-operated rats with an inhibited gluconeogenesis had similar hormonal responses to exercise. It is concluded that gluconeogenesis plays a role in the afferent neural influence exerted by the liver via the hepatic vagus nerve in the regulation of hormonal response to exercise.

Effects of supramaximal exercise on blood glucose levels during a subsequent exercise

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of hyperglycemia induced by supramaximal exercise on blood glucose homeostasis during submaximal exercise following immediately after. Six men were subjected to three experimental situations; in two of these situations, 3 min of high-intensity exercise (corresponding to 112, SD 1% VO2max) was immediately followed by either a 60-min period of submaximal exercise (68, SD 2% VO2max) or a 60-min resting period. In the third situation, subjects performed a 63-min period of submaximal exercise only. There were no significant differences between the heart rates, oxygen uptakes, and respiratory exchange ratios during the two submaximal exercise bouts (greater than 15 min) whether or not preceded by supramaximal exercise. The supramaximal exercise was associated within 10 min of the start increases (P less than 0.05) in blood glucose, insulin, and lactate concentrations. This hyperglycemia was more pronounced when subjects continued to exercise submaximally than when they rested (at 7.5 min; P less than 0.05). There was a more rapid return to normal exercise blood glucose and insulin values during submaximal exercise compared with rest. The data show that the hyperinsulinemia following supramaximal exercise is corrected in between 10-30 min during submaximal exercise following immediately, suggesting that this exercise combination does not lead to premature hypoglycemia.

Effects of selective hepatic vagotomy on running endurance in rats

The liver, through the afferent ways of the vagus hepatic nerve, may influence metabolic adaptations during exercise. This study assesses the functional significance of this hepatic innervation by determining the effect of a selective hepatic vagotomy (HV) on running endurance time during submaximal activity in rats subjected to an overnight 50% food restriction. The time to exhaustion was similar for the groups of HV and sham-operated (SHM) rats [66 +/- 15 vs. 64 +/- 21 (SD) min]. The HV group was associated with higher resting levels (P less than 0.05) of hepatic glycogen and plasma glucose. No significant differences were observed between HV and SHM rats at rest and after exercise for muscle glycogen, free fatty acids, insulin, glucagon, and lactate concentrations. These data indicate that if hepatic glucoreceptors do exist and contribute to the metabolic regulation of exercise, their functional significance is secondary to more important regulatory mechanisms.

The contribution of passive drag as a determinant of swimming performance

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the contribution of passive drag (Dp) to the prediction of a 400-m swim. A second aim was to evaluate the relation between Dp and some anthropometric factors. In a first experiment, 84 swimmers (both sexes) had their Dp (at 1.4 m.s-1) and VO2max measured in water and put into relation with the performance time of a 400-m swim. Performance times were mainly related to VO2max (r = 0.70 and 0.72, p less than 0.01, for male and female swimmers, respectively). Inclusion of Dp as a second variable improved significantly (p less than 0.01) the accuracy of the regression up to 0.75 and 0.78. Passive drag was also significantly (p less than 0.01) related to height (r = 0.80 and 0.60, p less than 0.01, for male and female swimmers, respectively), weight (r = 0.78 and 0.54, p less than 0.01, for males and females, respectively), and body surface area (r = 0.80 and 0.58, p less than 0.01, for males and females, respectively). In a second group of 7 male swimmers, it was found that Dp values were increased on average by 34% (p less than 0.01) when measured after a maximal expiration as compared to measurements after a maximal inspiration. In a third group of swimmers (n = 41) for which generalized joint laxity was measured, it was found that this variable contributes significantly to the Dp variability. The present results show that Dp can be considered as contributing significantly to prediction of performance in swimming.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of determinants of swimming economy in front crawl

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between swimming economy, energy cost to move the body per unit distance (CS) at a given velocity (v) and the potential determinants, i.e. performance level, body size, swimming technique and v. A total of 101 males were studied. Three performance levels (A, B, C) were determined, ranging from the slower (A) to the faster times (B, C). At level C and at 1.1 m.s-1, CS 1.1, was reduced by 55% and 25% when compared with levels A and B and when calculated per unit of surface area (SA) and unit of hydrostatic lift (HL). For the whole group of swimmers, CS 1.1 = 21.88 SA-2.15 HL + 5.9 (r = 0.56, P less than 0.01). Among the 101 swimmers, three other groups were selected to evaluate specifically the influence of arm length and swimming technique on CS, i.e. arm or leg swimmers and sprinters versus long-distance swimmers, CS was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower for long-arm swimmers, arm and long-distance swimmers than for short-arm, leg and sprint swimmers by 12%, SD 3.3%, 15%, SD 3.8% and 16.5%, SD 3%, respectively. For all groups, CS increased with v on average by 10% every 0.1 m.s-1. It is concluded that technical ability cannot be interpreted directly from CS. Performance levels, body size, swimming technique and v at which the measurements are obtained must be also taken into account.

Influence of hepatic vagus nerve on pancreatic hormone secretion during exercise

There has been recent evidence that the liver through the hepatic vagus nerve may influence the resting levels of plasma insulin in adrenalectomized rats. The present investigation was designed to evaluate whether such a relationship exists during physical exercise. To this end, the effects of a selective hepatic vagotomy on portal and peripheral insulin and on peripheral glucagon concentrations were studied after a 30-min treadmill run (26 m/min, 0% grade) in adrenodemelludated rats. Hepatic vagotomy was associated with small but significantly higher (P less than 0.05) levels of liver glycogen and blood glucose at rest and after exercise. No significant differences were observed between hepatic-vagotomized and sham-operated rats in resting insulin, glucagon, and plasma norepinephrine concentrations. Peripheral plasma insulin levels after exercise were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in hepatic-vagotomized than in sham-operated rats [172 +/- 20 vs. 108 +/- 10 (SE) pmol/l]. Exercise was also associated with a significantly lower peripheral glucagon (P less than 0.01) and norepinephrine (P less than 0.05) levels in hepatic-vagotomized compared with sham-operated rats. These results indicate a role for the hepatic vagus nerve in the regulation of pancreatic islet secretion during exercise, possibly by contributing to the increase in sympathetic activity.

Effect of hepatic vagotomy on postexercise substrate levels in food-restricted rats

The metabolic effects of a selective hepatic vagotomy (HV) were investigated at rest and immediately after a 50-min exercise period (26 m/min, 0% grade) in rats subjected to an overnight 50% food restriction. This dietary restriction reduced liver glycogen content to 50% of normal resting concentrations (2.2-2.8 g/100 g). No significant differences between HV and sham-operated rats were found in resting and exercising beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, glycerol, and insulin concentrations. Postexercise liver glycogen concentrations were reduced to approximately 1.0 g/100 g in both HV and sham-operated groups. This decrease was associated with significantly (P less than 0.01) lower postexercise glycogen levels in the soleus muscle of HV rats (2.6 times) along with higher plasma free fatty acid concentrations (P less than 0.01). These data provide evidence that HV combined with a progressive decrease in liver glycogen content may influence substrate regulation during exercise. They also support the concept of the existence of hepatic glucoreceptors responsive to a decrease in liver glycogen content.

Effect of selective hepatic vagotomy on plasma FFA levels in resting and exercising rats

Metabolic effects of a selective hepatic vagotomy (HV) were investigated in nonfasted (N) and 24-h fasted (F) rats, at rest and immediately after a 50-min exercise period (26 m/min, 0% grade). In nonfasted rats, no significant differences between HV and sham-operated (SHM) groups were found in blood substrates [free fatty acids (FFA) or glucose], insulin, and muscle glycogen levels, either at rest or after exercise. In F rats, liver glycogen was almost completely depleted at rest. This depletion was associated with a significantly (P less than 0.05) lower plasma FFA concentration at rest in HV compared with SHM rats (mean +/- SE, 0.57 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.83 +/- 0.1 mmol/l). No differences in FFA levels were observed between the same two groups after the exercise period. Exercise, however, resulted in a 2.5 times greater glycogen breakdown in the soleus muscle of HV compared with SHM rats. Hepatic vagotomy in the F condition was also associated with lower resting and exercising insulin concentrations. It is concluded that HV, when followed by a 24-h fast, may influence metabolic substrate regulation at rest and to a certain extent during exercise. These data support the concept of the existence of hepatic glucoreceptors responsive to a decrease in liver glycogen content.

Metabolic and hormonal responses to long-distance swimming in cold water

The acute effects of long-distance swimming in cold water on selected hormonal and metabolic variables were evaluated on 22 long-distance swimmers (16 males and 6 females) during a 32-km swimming competition (La Traversée Internationale du Lac St-Jean). The water temperature was 18.5 degrees C and the mean performance times were 8 h and 32 min for men (M) and 9 h and 1 min for women (F). The blood samples were withdrawn in the fasting state during the week preceding the event and within 30 min after completion of the race. A positive correlation was obtained, for both groups, between percent body fat and rectal temperature measured at the end of the competition. After the competition, an increase in plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, thyroxine, free fatty acids, lactate, a decrease in glucose and insulin and no change in growth hormone, triiodothyronine, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations were observed in both groups. The increase in plasma thyroxine was more pronounced in the slower swimmers while the change in blood cortisol concentrations was higher in the subjects having the most acute decrease in body temperature. Male and female swimmers have a similar metabolic and hormonal response to a long-distance swimming competition in cold water.

FFA and insulin response dissociation to gradual short-term food restriction in exercising rats

The present study examines the metabolic and hormonal responses of progressive short-term food restriction in rats at rest and during exercise. The night prior to the experiment, previously cannulated rats were assigned to one of three groups: (A) normal diet, (B) 50% food restriction, and (C) 75% food restriction. They were then run continuously for 50 min at 26 m.min-1, 0% grade. Resting liver glycogen levels were decreased in groups B and C (50% and 92%) while B-hydroxybutyrate values were increased in group C only. A similar group main effect (resting and exercise values) of a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in free fatty acid concentrations was found in groups B and C as compared to group A, while a decrease in insulin (P less than 0.01) and glucose (P less than 0.05) concentrations was observed in group C only. Norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations were increased similarly in all three groups following exercise. Resting muscle glycogen levels were progressively reduced following food restrictions. These results indicate that (1) food deprivation at rest and during exercise first affects free fatty acid concentrations and thereafter the insulin response, (2) prolonged exercise following food restrictions increases the metabolic adaptative state of the resting organism. These findings are in disagreement with a sole action of pre-exercise insulin as a determinant of metabolic responses to exercise and provide evidence to the concept that a progressive reduction in liver glycogen might constitute a stimulus for the early free fatty acid response.

Menstrual cycle phase dissociation of blood glucose homeostasis during exercise

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of 24-h carbohydrate-poor diet on metabolic and hormonal responses induced by prolonged exercise in both follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases of the menstrual cycle. At mid-FP and at mid-LP, seven eumenorrheic young women [means +/- SE; chronological age, 21.1 +/- 0.6 yr; O2 uptake (VO2) peak, 43.7 +/- 2.0 ml X kg-1 X min-1; body fat, 19.2 +/- 2.0%] were subjected to a 90-min bicycle exercise period at an intensity representing 63% of their measured VO2 peak. Venous blood samples obtained before and during exercise were analyzed for levels of substrates (glucose, lactate, free fatty acids, glycerol) and hormones (luteinizing hormone, progesterone, estradiol, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, catecholamines). Contrary to FP, a significant (P less than 0.01) decrease in blood glucose concentration was observed after 70 and 90 min of exercise during LP. Significant phase differences were also observed for blood lactate (highest in FP), cortisol (highest in LP), and progesterone (highest in LP). Although not significantly different, tendencies for menstrual phase dissociations were noticed for some of the other measured variables. Hence, a menstrual phase dissociation in circulating glucose level, unmasked by a prolonged exercise performed after a 24-h carbohydrate-poor diet, suggests to the authors a specific metabolic involvement for gonadotrophic and/or gonadal hormones.

Effects of dietary manipulations on blood glucose and hormonal responses following supramaximal exercise

The effects of supramaximal exercise on blood glucose, insulin, and catecholamine responses were examined in 7 healthy male physical education students (mean +/- SD: age = 21 +/- 1.2 years; VO2max = 54 +/- 6 ml X kg-1 X min-1) in response to the following three dietary conditions: a normal mixed diet (N); a 24-h low carbohydrate (CHO) diet intended to reduce liver glycogen content (D1); and a 24-h low CHO diet preceded by a leg muscle CHO overloading protocol intended to reduce hepatic glycogen content with increased muscle glycogen store (D2). Exercise was performed on a bicycle ergometer at an exercise intensity of 130% VO2max for 90 s. Irrespective of the dietary manipulation, supramaximal exercise was associated with a similar significant (p less than 0.01) increase in the exercise and recovery plasma glucose values. The increase in blood glucose levels was accompanied by a similar increase in insulin concentrations in all three groups despite lower resting insulin levels in conditions D1 and D2. Lactate concentrations were higher during the early phase of the recovery period in the D2 as compared to the N condition. At cessation of exercise, epinephrine and norepinephrine were greatly elevated in all three conditions. These results indicate that the increase in plasma glucose and insulin associated with very high intensity exercise, persists in spite of dietary manipulations intended to reduce liver glycogen content or increase muscle glycogen store.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Applied physiology of swimming

Scientific research in swimming over the past 10 to 15 years has been oriented toward multiple aspects that relate to applied and basic physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, and endocrinology. This review considers recent findings on: 1) specific physical characteristics of swimmers; 2) the energetics of swimming; 3) the evaluation of aerobic fitness in swimming; and 4) some metabolic and hormonal aspects related to swimmers. Firstly, the age of finalists in Olympic swimming is not much different from that of the participants from other sports. They are taller and heavier than a reference population of the same age. The height bias in swimming may be the reason for lack of success from some Asian and African countries. Experimental data point toward greater leanness, particularly in female swimmers, than was seen 10 years ago. Overall, female swimmers present a range of 14 to 19% body fat whereas males are much lower (5 to 10%). Secondly, the relationship between O2 uptake and crawl swimming velocity (at training and competitive speeds) is thought to be linear. The energy cost varies between strokes with a dichotomy between the 2 symmetrical and the 2 asymmetrical strokes. Energy expenditure in swimming is represented by the sum of the cost of translational motion (drag) and maintenance of horizontal motion (gravity). The cost of the latter decreases as speed increases. Examination of the question of size-associated effects on the cost of swimming using Huxley's allometric equation (Y = axb) shows an almost direct relationship with passive drag. Expressing energy cost in litres of O2/m/kg is proposed as a better index of technical swimming ability than the traditional expression of VO2/distance in L/km. Thirdly, maximal direct conventional techniques used to evaluate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in swimming include free swimming, tethered swimming, and flume swimming. Despite the individual peculiarities of each method, with similar experimental conditions similar results for VO2 max will be found. Free swimming (unimpeded) using the backward extrapolation method will, however, lead to reliable and valid results obtained in a condition that is closer to the competitive situation than with a direct test. A maximal indirect field-test has been recently made available. This test can predict VO2 max with an acceptable accuracy (r = 0.877), and provides a mean to evaluate the functional maximal aerobic power in swimming which corresponds to the maximal aerobic swimming velocity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)