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Plasma catecholamine and nephrine responses to brief intermittent maximal intensity exercise

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Abstract

Catecholamines (noradrenaline, NA; adrenaline, AD; dopamine, DA) influence the metabolic and cardiovascular responses to exercise. However, changes in catecholamine metabolism during exercise are unclear. Plasma normetanephrine (NMET), metanephrine (MET) and catecholamine responses to a laboratory-based model of games-type exercise were examined. Twelve healthy men completed a resting control trial and a trial consisting of ten 6 s cycle ergometer sprints interspersed with 30 s recovery, in randomised order. Resting and post-sprint venous blood samples were taken. Plasma NA and AD increased after each sprint but DA was unaltered. Plasma nephrines increased significantly from sprint 4 onwards with peak NMET increasing 60% to 0.76 ± 0.19 nmol l−1 and MET 230% to 0.37 ± 0.16 nmol l−1 from resting values (P < 0.05). The results demonstrate increased catecholamine metabolism via elevated catechol-O-methyl transferase activity during intermittent sprinting. The results may aid regulation of the metabolic and cardiovascular responses to exercise by maintaining tissue adrenoceptor sensitivity to circulating catecholamines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, School of Human Sciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK

    Richard M. Bracken

  2. Centre for Human Sciences, QinetiQ, Building A50, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0LX, UK

    Denise M. Linnane

  3. Department of Physiology and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Coventry University, Priory St., Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK

    Stephen Brooks

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  1. Richard M. Bracken
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  2. Denise M. Linnane
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  3. Stephen Brooks
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Correspondence to Richard M. Bracken.

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Bracken, R.M., Linnane, D.M. & Brooks, S. Plasma catecholamine and nephrine responses to brief intermittent maximal intensity exercise. Amino Acids 36, 209–217 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-008-0049-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-008-0049-2

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