Leptin, cortisol and distinct concurrent training sequences.

In order to investigate the effects of distinct concurrent training sequences on serum leptin and cortisol levels, 10 subjects (27.1±4.8 years, body mass index 25.38±0.09) were submitted to a control session, concurrent training 1 and concurrent training 2. Samples of leptin and cortisol were collected. Concurrent training 1 consisted of indoor cycling followed by strength training and concurrent training 2 of strength training followed by indoor cycling. No exercises were performed at the control session. Blood was collected once again to verify the same variables. Shapiro-Wilk, 2-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used. There was a reduction in leptin levels after concurrent training 1 (Δ%= - 16.04; p=0.05) and concurrent training 2 (Δ%= - 8.54; p=0.02). Cortisol decreased after concurrent training 1 (Δ%= - 26.32; p=0.02) and concurrent training 2 (Δ%= - 33.57; p=0.05). There was a high and significant correlation between blood variables only in CS (lep PRE X cort PRE and cort POST: r= - 0.80 and r= - 0.81; lep POST X cort PRE and cort POST: r= - 0.62 and r= - 0.62). Concurrent training promoted a reduction in leptin and cortisol levels irrespective of sequence.

Cardiac effects of oxytocin: is there a role for this peptide in cardiovascular homeostasis?

Oxytocin is well known for its role in reproduction. However, evidence has emerged suggesting a role in cardiovascular and hydroelectrolytic homeostasis. Although its renal effects have been characterized, the cardiac ones have not been much studied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cardiac effects of oxytocin both in vivo and in vitro. In unanesthetized rats (n=6) intravenous oxytocin (1 mug) decreased dP/dt(max) by 15% (P<0.05) and heart rate by 20% (P<0.001), at the first minute after injection. dP/dt(max) was still lower in OT-treated rats than in controls (n=8) after 15 min (P<0.05), while heart rate returned to control values after 5 min. In isolated hearts, oxytocin was able to promote negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Perfusion with 10(-5), 10(-6) and 10(-7)M oxytocin resulted in approximately 60% (P<0.01), 25% (P<0.01) and 10% (P<0.05) reduction of left ventricle developed pressure, without effect in lower concentrations (10(-10) to 10(-8) M). Also, dP/dt(max) was reduced by 45 and 20% (10(-5) e 10(-6) M; P<0.01), while diastolic pressure raised and heart rate fell only with 10(-5)M oxytocin (P<0.05). Intravenous oxytocin (1 mug; n=6) increased arterial pressure by 22% at the first minute (+23+/-3 mm Hg; P<0.001), returning to control value thereafter. Thus, oxytocin is able to promote directly negative inotropic and chronotropic effects, but its in vivo effect also involves a reflex mechanism, originated from its pressor effect.