ABSTRACT
The effects of melatonin on several parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were investigated in exercised and nonexercised rats. Animals were run to exhaustion on a rodent treadmill at 24 m/min and a 12% slope. Exercise resulted in a significant hypoglycemia and increased plasma levels of lactate and beta-hydroxybutyrate, together with a significant reduction of glycogen in muscle and liver. Muscle and liver glycogen content was elevated and plasma free fatty acid decreased in nonexercised animals receiving melatonin (0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg i.p). Melatonin at 2.0 mg/kg reduced plasma lactate and increased lactate concentration in liver. When compared to untreated exercised animals glycemia and muscle and liver glycogen content were significantly higher in melatonin-treated exercised animals, while plasma and liver lactate and plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate were significantly reduced. Our data indicate that melatonin preserves glycogen stores in exercised rats through changes in carbohydrate and lipid utilization.
