Glycolytic enzymes in human skeletal muscle following prolonged work

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Authors
Cote, Richard W.
Advisor
Costill, David L.
Issue Date
1975
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Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
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Abstract

Previous studies have shown that ability to perform anaerobic activities is markedly reduced following prolonged exercise. It has been hypothesized that such changes are the result of reduced glycolytic capability. This study examined the changes in selected glycolytic enzyme activities in the leg muscles of men before, immediately after and 24 hours after prolonged exertion. Muscle biopsies obtained from the vastus lateralis were assayed for glycogen, total phosphorylase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and alpha glycerophosphate dehydrogenase ((GPDH). Muscle glycogen content was round to decrease significantly (P <.0l) from rest (116 mmoles/kg) Co post exercise (66 mmoles/kg), but 24 hours later it was only 15% lower than the pre exercise value. Phosphorylase and LDH increased significantly (+12.9% and +9.4%, respectively) as a result of the exercise. After 24 hours of rest phosphorylase returned to the pre exercise level, but LDH showed an additional increase of 6.2% in activity above the post exercise value. These data fail to support the hypothesis that prolonged severe exercise inhibits anaerobic capacity by reducing essential glycolytic enzymes.Supported by a grant for NIH (R0l AM17083-01).

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