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Interleukin-6 response to exercise during acute and chronic hypoxia
Carsten Lundby1, Adam Steensberg
1The Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 9 Blegdamsvej, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. Carsten@CMRC.DK
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|September 5, 2003
Summary
Exercise in hypoxia increases interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, especially at higher absolute workloads. This response is intensity-dependent and not solely driven by catecholamines, suggesting other regulatory factors are involved.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Physiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Prolonged exercise elevates plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- Exercise intensity and catecholamines influence IL-6 release.
- Hypoxia increases sympathetic activity and perceived workload intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of hypoxia on exercise-induced IL-6 production.
- To examine the role of catecholamines and exercise intensity in IL-6 response during hypoxia.
- To compare IL-6 responses at absolute and relative workloads in sea level, acute hypoxia, and chronic hypoxia.
Main Methods:
- Eight sea-level residents performed 60-minute cycle ergometer exercise.
- Exercise was conducted at sea level, acute hypoxia, and chronic hypoxia.
- Workloads were set at the same absolute and relative intensities.
Main Results:
- IL-6 response was augmented at absolute workloads in acute and chronic hypoxia compared to sea level.
- IL-6 responses were similar at relative workloads across all conditions.
- Augmented IL-6 during hypoxia did not correlate with catecholamine levels.
Conclusions:
- Plasma IL-6 concentration during exercise in hypoxia is intensity-dependent.
- Factors other than catecholamines are more critical for regulating IL-6 during hypoxic exercise.