Abstract

Total creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB, total, hepatic and cardiac lactate dehydrogenase were examined in five elite triathletes before and 40 min, 12 h and nine days after the competition comprising 3.9 km swimming, 180.2 km cycling and 42.2 km running. Elevated plasma levels of tested enzymes were shown both 40 min and 12 h after the race. Peak of post exercise creatine kinase and isoenzyme MB activities was observed 12 h after the contest. In contrast, peak total and hepatic lactate dehydrogenase was shown 40 min after the triathlon. No changes in cardiac lactate dehydrogenase were observed following the race. Nine days after the event, total creatine kinase, total and hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activities returned to basal values. Creatine kinase MB plasma level was still elevated as compared to pre race value. On the basis of our results non-cardiac source of plasma CK-MB activity could be postulated in response to triathlon. Moreover, CK-MB is likely to be a more sensitive marker of muscle injury as compared to other investigated enzymes. Verf.-Referat