Abstract

In this study we tried to obtain a complete overview of purine nucleotide metabolism in erythrocytes before and during an incremental, intermittent exhaustive exercise bout protocol for sportsmen (high-performance rowers) and untrained, healthy, active volunteers. Erythrocyte levels of the main nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP, GTP, GDP, GMP, IMP, NAD+ and NADP+), nucleosides (Ado, Guo, Ino) and the base Hyp were measured using the HPLC method. The parameters that can be deducted from their concentrations: TAN, TGN and AEC, GEC expressed by the ratio of high/low energy nucleoside phosphates were calculated. The effects of graded rowing exercise on the concentration and metabolism of erythrocyte purine and pyridine nucleotides and the activity Na+, K+-ATPase in both trained and untrained individuals. In the group of sportsmen, ATP, ADP and AMP concentrations were decreasing during the effort (for ATP rs=-0.65). However, ADP and AMP concentrations were significantly lower only during recovery (p<0.0001). We observed a negative correlation (rs=-0.72) between the ATP concentration and the Ado concentration during maximal effort. In the sportsmen group, NAD+ concentration was decreasing during the effort (rs=-0.68). Lower activity of Na+, K+-ATPase in erythrocytes was significantly correlated with the decrease in ATP concentration after maximal effort in sportsmen. This study confirms that erythrocyte energy metabolism depends on the body’s adaptation to effort and the physical efficiency of the participants. Verf.-Referat