Abstract des Autors

We compared reflex responses to static handgrip at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in 10 women (mean age 24.1+/-1.7 yr) during two phases of their ovarian cycle: the menstrual phase (days 1-4) and the follicular phase (days 10-12). Changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography) in response to static exercise were greater during the menstrual compared with follicular phase (phase effect P=0.01). Levels of estrogen were less during the menstrual phase (75+/-5.5 vs. 116+/-9.6 pg/ml, days 1-4 vs. days 10-12; P=0.002). Generated tension did not explain differences in MSNA responses (MVC: 29.3+/-1.3 vs. 28.2+/-1.5 kg, days 1-4 vs. days 10-12; P=0.13). In a group of experiments with the use of 31P-NMR spectroscopy, no phase effect was observed for H+ and H2PO4- concentrations (n=5). During an ischemic rhythmic handgrip paradigm (20% MVC), a phase effect was not observed for MSNA or H+ or H2PO4- concentrations, suggesting that blood flow was necessary for the expression of the cycle-related effect. The present studies suggest that, during static handgrip exercise, MSNA is increased during the menstrual compared with the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle. Verf.-Referat