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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Preparation of Rat Skeletal Muscle Homogenates for Nitrate and Nitrite Measurements
Published on: July 29, 2021
Effects of L-citrulline oral supplementation on polymorphonuclear neutrophils oxidative burst and nitric oxide
Antoni Sureda1, Alfredo Cordova, Miguel D Ferrer
1Laboratori de Ciencies de l'Activitat Fisica, Departament de Biologia Fonamental i Ciencies de la Salut, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain.
Abstract:
Seventeen volunteer male professional cyclists were randomly assigned to control or supplemented (6 g L-citrulline-malate) groups and participated in a cycling stage. Blood samples were taken in basal conditions, after the race and 3 h post-race. Citrulline supplementation significantly increased plasma concentration of both arginine and citrulline after the stage only in the supplemented group. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from controls responded to exercise with a progressive decrease in ROS production. Supplemented PMNs significantly increased ROS production after exercise compared to basal values and diminished to values lower than basal at recovery. PMN nitrite concentration was significantly higher after exercise and recovery only in the supplemented group. Markers of oxidative damage-CK, LDH, malondialdehyde-and DNA damage remained unchanged in both groups. In conclusion, oral L-citrulline administration previous to a cycling stage increases plasma arginine availability for NO synthesis and PMNs priming for oxidative burst without oxidative damage.
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