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Biomedical subjects

M E Houston

Publications and source records attributed to M E Houston.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Chronic low frequency stimulation reduces myosin phosphorylation in rabbit fast twitch muscle.

The effect of 1-12 days of electrical stimulation (10 Hz) on the ability to phosphorylate the P-light chain of myosin was studied in rabbit tibialis anterior muscle. Myosin phosphorylation was induced by exposure of the stimulated muscle and that of the contralateral leg to a single conditioning stimulus train (5 Hz) for 25 s via the motor nerve. Isometric tension was measured as were the myosin light chain composition and the activities of the enzymes responsible for phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. A computer simulation of the potential effect of a stimulation-induced disruption of Ca2+ metabolism on phosphorylation was also performed. Chronic stimulation for as little as 1 day eliminated light chain phosphorylation and reduced the myosin light chain kinase activity by approximately 36%. Conversely, phosphatase activity and light chain composition were unaffected. The model demonstrated that a slight depression in the magnitude of the Ca2+ transient could potentially attenuate phosphorylation. The data suggest that phosphorylation of myosin is extremely sensitive to prolonged muscle activity. Furthermore, it appears more likely that this sensitivity is related to regulation of intracellular free Ca2+ than to the other elements of the calmodulin-dependent system for myosin phosphorylation examined.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Overtraining.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Exercise↗
PubMed1991

Energy metabolism in human slow and fast twitch fibres during prolonged cycle exercise.

1. The effects of prolonged exercise on energy metabolism in type I and type II muscle fibres in the vastus lateralis muscle were investigated in six male subjects (20.0 +/- 0.5 years, mean +/- S.E.M.) who performed one-legged cycling at 61% of maximum O2 consumption (VO2,max; determined with one leg) until fatigue or for a maximum of 2 h. 2. Analysis of pools of freeze-dried fibres obtained by needle biopsy and separated into specific types by the myofibrillar ATPase histochemical procedure indicated higher (P less than 0.05) lactate concentrations in type II fibres compared to type I fibres at 15 min (43.9 +/- 9.7 and 51.2 +/- 9.8 mmol (kg dry wt)-1) and at 60 min (18.2 +/- 4.7 and 25.9 +/- 6.5 mmol (kg dry wt)-1). No differences existed in lactate concentration between fibre types for pre-exercise (10.0 +/- 1.6 and 13.3 +/- 2.8 mmol (kg dry wt)-1) or post-exercise. 3. Glycogen degradation was most pronounced in type I fibres. By the end of exercise, glycogen concentration was 82.4 +/- 45 mmol glucosyl units (kg dry wt)-1 in type I fibres and 175 +/- 62 mmol glucosyl units (kg dry wt)-1 in type II fibres. 4. No significant changes in ATP and creatine phosphate (CrP) were found in either fibre type with exercise. 5. It is concluded that, at least for lactate and glycogen, fibre-specific differences are evident in prolonged submaximal exercise. The cause of the difference probably relates both to the unique energy metabolic characteristics of each fibre type and to the manner in which they are utilized during the exercise. 6. The failure to find a reduction in ATP concentration in either fibre type during prolonged exercise in the face of a progressive increase in the number of fibres showing little or no glycogen concentration suggests that protective mechanisms exist that prevent an energy crisis. The nature of these protective mechanisms remains to be elucidated.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Torque potentiation and myosin light-chain phosphorylation in human muscle following a fatiguing contraction.

Indices of electrically stimulated and maximal voluntary isometric muscle torgue and the phosphate content of myosin phosphorylatable light chains (P light chains) were studied during recovery following a 60-s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) in 21 human subjects. Analysis of muscle biopsy samples revealed that immediately after the 60-s MVC there were significant decreases in ATP (-15%) and phosphocreatine (-82%), and lactate concentration increased by 17-fold. All indices of muscle torque production were reduced by the 60-s MVC, but the twitch torque and torque at 10 Hz were relatively less reduced compared with the torque at 20 and 50 Hz or a 1-s MVC. Between 3 and 6 min of recovery, twitch torque and torque at 10 Hz stimulation were significantly potentiated, reaching peak values of 125 and 134%, respectively, compared with rest. Phosphate content of the fast and two slow P light chains was significantly increased over rest levels immediately after and 4 min after the 60-s MVC. These results suggest that myosin P light-chain phosphorylation could provide a mechanism to increase human muscle torque under conditions of submaximal contractile element activation following fatigue.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Simultaneous potentiation and fatigue in quadriceps after a 60-second maximal voluntary isometric contraction.

Potential mechanisms of fatigue (metabolic factors) and potentiation (phosphate incorporation by myosin phosphorylatable light chains) were investigated during recovery from a 60-s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) in the quadriceps muscle of 12 subjects. On separate days before and for 2 h after the 60-s MVC, either a 1-s MVC or electrically stimulated contractions were used as indexes to test muscle performance. Torque at the end of the 60-s MVC was 57% of the initial level, whereas torques from a 1-s MVC and 50-Hz stimulation were most depressed in the immediate recovery period. At this time, muscle biopsy analyses revealed significant decreases in ATP and phosphocreatine and a 19-fold increase in muscle lactate. Conversely, isometric twitch torque and torque from a 10-Hz stimulus were the least depressed of six contractile indexes and demonstrated potentiation of 25 and 34%, respectively, by 4 min of recovery (P less than 0.05). At this time, muscle lactate concentration was still 16 times greater than at rest. An increased phosphate content of the myosin phosphorylatable light chains (P less than 0.05) was also evident both immediately and 4 min after the 60-s MVC. We conclude that the 60-s MVC produced marked force decreases likely due to metabolic displacement, while the limited decline in the twitch and 10-Hz torques and their significant potentiation suggested that myosin phosphorylation may provide a mechanism to enhance contractile force under conditions of submaximal activation during fatigue.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1990

Myosin phosphorylation, twitch potentiation, and fatigue in human skeletal muscle.

Twitch tension and phosphate incorporation into the phosphorylatable light chains (P-light chains) of myosin were studied during a 10-min recovery period following a 10- or 60-s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) in 18 subjects. Analysis of muscle biopsy samples obtained before, immediately after, 1 min, and 10 min following the 10-s MVC revealed that the 10-s MVC produced a modest but transient metabolic displacement from rest, a 35% decrease in phosphocreatine, and a threefold elevation in lactate concentration. Immediately after the 60-s MVC, ATP was decreased by 20%, phosphocreatine decreased by 84%, and lactate was elevated by 15-fold. Lactate remained elevated over the 10-min recovery period. Twitch force was maximally potentiated following the 10-s MVC and declined to rest by 10 min of recovery. Twitch force was 0.66 of rest value immediately after the 60-s MVC, then increased over the next 4 min to reach a potentiated value 21% greater than rest, before declining. Significant phosphate incorporation into P-light chains was observed immediately after both contractions, but dephosphorylation to rest values at the end of recovery was only noted for the 60-s condition. These results demonstrate an inconsistent relationship between twitch tension enhancement and P-light chain phosphorylation in the in vivo human model.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1990

Effect of temperature on myosin phosphorylation in mouse skeletal muscle.

The effect of muscle contraction on phosphorylatable myosin light chain (P-light chain) phosphate content and isometric twitch tension was examined at 25, 30, and 35 degrees C in intact mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle. Peak tetanic tension was unaffected by temperature, whereas peak unpotentiated isometric twitch tension was inversely proportional to muscle incubation temperature. The extent of phosphate incorporation into P-light chain elicited by a 20-s train of twitches (5/s) was inversely proportional to muscle incubation temperature, whereas the fractional increase in twitch tension (twitch potentiation) elicited by repetitive stimulation was directly proportional to muscle incubation temperature. After the twitch train, the rate of decline of potentiated twitch tension and of P-light chain dephosphorylation was directly proportional to muscle incubation temperature. The net result was that a significant and unique relationship between P-light chain phosphate content and contraction-induced tension potentiation existed at each temperature examined. The slope of the P-light chain phosphate vs. isometric twitch potentiation relationship varied directly as a function of muscle incubation temperature. The observations that the slope of this relationship increases and that unpotentiated twitch tension decreases when muscle incubation temperature is increased support the hypothesis that contraction-induced tension potentiation in intact mammalian skeletal muscle is the result of a sensitization of the contractile element to activation by Ca2+ that is brought about by P-light chain phosphorylation.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Lymphocyte subset responses to repeated submaximal exercise in men.

The effects of repeated bouts of submaximal cycle ergometry exercise on changes in the percentage of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes, the T-helper/inducer and T-cytotoxic/suppressor subsets, and natural killer (NK) cells were studied in 18 healthy young men who had no history of regular exercise training. Subjects were matched on the basis of maximal O2 uptake and assigned randomly to exercise or control groups, with controls resting quietly during the exercise sessions. The percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes that reacted with monoclonal antibodies specific for T-lymphocytes (CD3+ cells), the helper/inducer subset (CD4+ cells) and cytotoxic/suppressor subset (CD8+ cells) of T-lymphocytes, and cells with NK activity (Leu7+ cells) were enumerated by fluorescence-activated flow cytometry for samples obtained immediately before and after exercise on days 1, 3, and 5 of a 5-day exercise regimen. The results of this study were mixed with decreases in the percentage of T-lymphocytes before vs. after exercise on days 1 and 3 (P less than 0.001), a decrease in the percentage of T-helper/inducer cells before vs. after exercise on day 3 (P less than 0.05), no effect of exercise on the percentage of T-cytotoxic/suppressor cells, and a marked increase in the percentage of NK cells after exercise on days 1 (P less than 0.05) and 3 (P less than 0.01). The total number of recovered NK cells in the mononuclear leukocyte fraction of blood also increased significantly after exercise on days 1 (P less than 0.05) and 3 (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Fiber composition, fiber size and enzyme activities in vastus lateralis of elite athletes involved in high intensity exercise.

In order to determine the influence of an extensive history of participation in high intensity activity on muscle fiber type, fiber size, and metabolic profile, elite ice hockey players were selected for investigation from three different leagues. Biopsy samples from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained from different groups of players prior to and following the season and compared with control subjects. No significant differences were found in the percentage (49.6 vs. 43.8%) or the size of the ST fibers between the elite athletes and the control group, nor was there any significant alteration following the season of play in these variables. For the FT fiber subgroups, a reduction in the FTb (12.2 vs. 3.9%) and an increase in FTa (38.0 to 45.2%) fiber populations occurred over the season. Similarly, increases in fiber area were observed for both FT subgroups pre to post season. Of the enzymes studied only 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase was elevated in the post season measures, while total phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase were significantly lower. The metabolic pattern exhibited does not appear to be substantially different from what would be expected from an untrained group of similar fiber distribution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Muscle glycogen depletion patterns in fast twitch fibre subgroups of man during submaximal and supramaximal exercise.

Muscle glycogen depletion in ST, FTa and FTb fibres were studied in human subjects undergoing two distinctly different modes of bicycle exercise. Two hours of submaximal exercise (60% of VO2 max) produced a 77% decline in muscle glycogen concentration accompanied by only minor elevations in muscle and blood lactate levels whereas 10 one minute supramaximal work bouts resulted in a 52% decrease in total glycogen concentration and substantially elevated muscle and blood lactate contents. Moreover the patterns of glycogen depletion in the two conditions were also distinctly different. Based on the PAS staining intensity, glycogen was depleted the most in ST fibres and least in FTb fibres, during submaximal work. During supramaximal work FTb fibres were the lightest in PAS staining, with little loss of glycogen from ST fibres. In both situations the loss of glycogen in the FTa fibres was intermediate compared to the other two fibre types. These data support a selective recruitment of muscle fibres during work of different intensities, and further, suggest a physiological basis for the subgrouping of FT fibres in man.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Interrelationships between skeletal muscle adaptations and performance as studied by detraining and retraining.

The effects of 15 days of detraining and 15 days of retraining were studied in 6 well-trained runners. Detraining resulted in significant decreases in the mean activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 24% and 13% respectively, but no significant increases in these enzymes activities occured with retraining. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) decreased by 4% with detraining (p less than 0.05), and increased by a similar amount with retraining. Performance time in an intense submaximal run decreased by 25% (p less than 0.05) with inactivity, but still averaged 9% below the initial level after retraining. Maximal heart rate and peak heart rate during the performance run were higher after detraining by 4 and 9 beats per min, respectively (p less than 0.05). With retraining, these heart rate values were decreased by 7 and 9 beats per min (p less than 0.05). Blood lactate concentrations after the VO2 max and performance run were approximately 20% lower after detraining and retraining (p less than 0.05). Muscle fibre areas for three subjects tended to be larger in biopsy samples taken after detraining and retraining. These data suggest that even short periods of detraining result in significant changes in indices of physiological capacity and function in subjects near their upper limit of adaptation, and that a longer period of retraining is necessary for muscle to re-adapt to its original trained state.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1979

The effect of water temperature on the hormonal response to prolonged swimming.

The relationship between thermoreception, hormonal secretion and muscular activity was studied. 6 men swam 60 min in 21, 27 and 33 degrees C water at a speed requiring 68% of VO2 max (determined in 27 degrees C water). Rectal temperature increased in 33 degrees C (1.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C, mean and S.E.) and 27 degrees C (0.7+/- 0.1 degrees C) expts. but decreased in 21 degrees C expts. (0.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C). Changes in esophageal and muscle temperatures parallelled changes in rectal temperature. Plasma noradrenaline was higher in 33 degrees C than in 27 degrees C expts. and growth hormone, cortisol and glucagon concentrations increased in 27 degrees C and 33 degrees C expts. only. Insulin concentrations were uniformly depressed during swimming at the different water temperatures. In 21 degrees C expts. noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations were higher than in 27 degrees C expts. VO2, carbohydrate combustion and peak lactate were slightly lower in 33 degrees C expts. Plasma glucose decreased slightly and FFA and glycerol concentrations increased identically in all expts. Heart rate increased continuously during swimming in 27 degrees C and 33 degrees C expts., but not in 21 degrees C expts. In conclusion the rise in body temperatures normally observed during exercise enhances the exercise induced increases in the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, cortisol, growth hormone and glucagon. Decreased body temperatures may elicit catecholamine secretion as a direct consequence of thermoreception. Shivering may account for previously observed decreases in insulin secretion during cold stress but not for increases in cortisol and growth hormone.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Nutrition and ice hockey performance.

Muscle glycogen is a major fuel for ice hockey. About 60% of the muscle glycogen in quadriceps muscle is utilized during a single game. When hockey games are played on successive days, studies reveal that muscle glycogen utilized during the second game is less than that of the first game. The diet of seven professional hockey players was studied for one week during the playing season to determine whether food selection could pose a problem for hockey performance. The data reveal that most players have a high protein intake, but that vegetables and fruit intakes were low. The problem of fuel supply for young hockey players is examined during tournament situations where up to three or more games may be played in a single day.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Skeletal muscle characteristics and carbohydrate metabolism after glucose loading in hypokalaemic periodic paralysis.

A prolonged glucose load was administered to four patients with hypokalaemic periodic paralysis and four healthy control sujbects. Muscle ATP and CP concentrations as well as lactate dehydrogenase, hexokinase and phosphorylase activities were similar in those two groups, but succinate dehydrogenase was approximately 50% higher in the control muscles. Muscles fibre composition was almost identical in the two groups, whereas patients had a higher degree of capillarization. Complete muscle weakness was produced in all patients, accompanied by hypokalaemia. Glucose loading resulted in elevated insulin levels and a minor rise in blood glucose level was seen in the patients compared to the control subjects. Glucose loading decreased hexokinase activity in controls, but increased this in the patients. At similar times, muscle and blood lactate levels and blood pyruvate values were generally higher in the patients over the course of the experiment. Initial glycogen concentrations were higher in patients, but glucose loading did not result in greatly increased glycogen values. These data suggest that patients with hypokalaemic periodic paralysis have an enhanced metabolism of carbohydrates and that insulin seems to be an important factor leading to the onset of muscle weakness.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1977

The response of endurance-adapted adults to intense anaerobic training.

The effects of a 6 week program of intense, intermittent hill running was investigated in 5 endurance-trained men (34-37) years. Venous lactate responses averaged 10.7 mM X 1(-1) during training. Biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before and after training for determinations of histochemical classification, phosphagen concentrations (ATP and CP) and activities of total LDH and selected LDH isozymes. Indices of aerobic and anaerobic capacity were also measured. Significant improvements (P less than 0.01) were noted in training distance and loads employed in leg presses, also part of the training: the treadmill test for anaerobic capacity improved by 16.7% and the terminal blood lactate level increased 14%(P less than 0.05). No changes occurred in VO2 max, body fat per cent or anaerobic power. Muscle ATP concentration increased by 14.8% (P less than 0.01) whereas the tissue level of CP remained unchanged. Total LDH activity and the LDH isozymes (LDH-1, LDH-5 and LDH-2, 3, 4) were not altered by training. No changes in fibre distribution were observed. That adaptations to the anaerobic training did occur is evident, but the cellular locus remains to be elucidated further.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗