Protein and energy metabolism during prolonged exercise in trained athletes

T. P. Stein, R. W. Hoyt, M. O'Tool, M. J. Leskiw, M. D. Schluter, R. R. Wolfe, W. D.B. Hiller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Eight elite triathlon athletes participated in a laboratory study of the effects of endurance exercise on protein and energy metabolism. The study consisted of 3 h of cycling and 5 h of treadmill running; 3.5 h before beginning the exercise, a primed constant infusion of 1-13C leucine and 6,6-2H glucose was begun. Serial blood samples were collected during the rest and exercise periods for isotopic analysis. Respiratory gas exchange was determined every half hour. Results: the subjects exercised at an average of 53% ± 3% of peak V̇O2. During the 8-h exercise period there was a decline in glucose utilization and an increase in lipid oxidation. For the first part of the exercise, most of the glucose oxidized was of muscle origin. Hepatic glucose production increased with exercise from 20 g/h to a maximum of about 60 g/h after 4 h of exercise and then decreased toward the pre-exercise rate. The plasma urea concentration was unchanged during the study. The leucine flux decreased during the first 4 h of exercise and then attained a new plateau about 20% lower than the pre-exercise value indicating an adaptive reduction in protein turnover.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)311-316
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume10
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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