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Plasma oxytocin during intense exercise in professional cyclists
J L Chicharro1, J Hoyos, F Bandrés
1Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain. jlchicharro@enf.ucm.es
Hormone Research
|September 11, 2001
Summary
Plasma oxytocin levels did not change with maximal exercise in cyclists. However, trained cyclists had lower oxytocin than sedentary individuals during intense exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Oxytocin (OT) is a hormone involved in social bonding and stress regulation.
- The physiological response of oxytocin to maximal exercise is not well understood.
- Investigating oxytocin's role during intense physical exertion is crucial for understanding its broader physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasma oxytocin response to maximal incremental exercise in trained male cyclists.
- To compare oxytocin levels between trained cyclists and sedentary individuals during exercise.
Main Methods:
- A maximal incremental exercise test was performed on a cycle ergometer.
- Plasma oxytocin, oxygen uptake (VO(2)), and blood lactate were measured before, during, and after exercise.
- Participants included 12 trained male cyclists and 10 sedentary young men.
Main Results:
- Oxygen uptake and lactate concentrations significantly increased with exercise in both groups.
- Plasma oxytocin levels did not show significant changes in response to exercise.
- Trained cyclists exhibited significantly lower plasma oxytocin levels compared to the sedentary group throughout the tests.
Conclusions:
- Plasma oxytocin does not respond to graded exercise until exhaustion in professional cyclists.
- Trained cyclists may have a different baseline or regulatory mechanism for oxytocin during intense exercise compared to sedentary individuals.