Effects of a competitive triathlon on plasma concentrations of tryptophan and branched-chain amino acids
Rev. paul. educ. fís
; 7(2): 3-7, jul.-dez. 1993. tab
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-147264
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to determine the acute responses of tryptophan and branched chain amino acids to a triathlon competition. Fourteen male triathletes were studied. All took part in a international triathlon race consisting of 1,5 Km swimming, 40 Km biking and 10 km running. Venous blood samples were drawn before (-24h) and after (15 min) the triathlon. Plasma concentration of branched chain amino acids and total and free tryptophan were determined. Branched chain amino acids decreased from 465 ñ 108.3 to 364 ñ 98.9 mol/L (p < 0.03). Free tryptophan increases from 9.2 to 16.3 mol/L (p < 0.006). Furthermore the ratio of free trytophan to branched chain amino acids increased from 2.07 ñ 0.48 5 to 4.24 ñ 0.79 (p < 0.001). This increases the rate of transport of tryptophan accross the blood-brain barrier and also increases the rate of synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the central nervous system. A high presence of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain develops physical and mental fatigue during the triathlon. This data support the participation of amino acids in fatigue process during triathlon
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Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Running
/
Swimming
/
Tryptophan
/
Bicycling
/
Fatigue
/
Amino Acids, Branched-Chain
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Rev. paul. educ. fís
Journal subject:
MEDICINA ESPORTIVA
Year:
1993
Type:
Article