Abstract

Malondialdehyde concentration in serum may be regarded as a reflection of how fast prostaglandine synthesis proceeds. Production rate of malondialdehyde (MDA) was studied at rest and following swimming exercise of various intensity: 200 m free style swimming performed at maximum intensity, respectively at 60, 70, 80 and 90 of the maximal rate. MDA was estimated by spectrophotometry in blood samples taken from the antecubital vein. The means for the respective swimming rates were: 140 +/- 18 for 60 , 221 +/- 22 for 70 , 286 +/29 for 80 , 408 +/- 38 for 90 and 569 +/- 47 mikromole/litre for 100 . Swimming rate and serum MDA level correlated closely (r = .82; P lower than .01). It has been inferred that in the enhanced blood supply of the muscles during physical exertion vasodilator type prostaglandines liberated locally from the vascular wall play an important part. Verf.-Referat