Abstract

This paper reviews the influence of exercise on the activity in the neurohormonal system. The most important response to exercise is an increase in sympathoadrenal activity. A decrease in insulin and C-peptide secretion results from an increased alpha-adrenergic inhibition of the pancreatic beta-cells. Adrenergic activity also accounts for increases in renin, and in turn, angiotensin and aldosterone levels, whereas in man the increase in plasma glucagon levels, seen only late during prolonged exercise, is due to decreasing glucose availability. Apart from these changes exercise may elicit increased secretion of some pituitary hormones (GH, ACTH, beta-endorphin, PRL, possibly TSH) and, in turn, of hormones from subordinate glands. Finally, some peptides, the origin and significance of which in exercise are unknown, are found in increased amounts in plasma during prolonged exercise (VIP, PHI, gastrin, secretin, SRIF, PP, substance P). The regulation of the neuroendocrine response probably has a fast nervous as well as a slow internal milieu component. Verf.-Referat