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Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans
Published on: July 21, 2023
Skin microvascular reactivity in trained adolescents.
Denise M Roche1, T W Rowland, M Garrard
1Sport and Exercise Physiology Research Team, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK. roched@hope.ac.uk
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Highly trained adolescent males show improved skin microvascular endothelial function compared to untrained peers. This enhanced endothelial function, measured by skin blood flow and vasodilation, suggests chronic exercise benefits vascular health in young athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is linked to sedentary lifestyles.
- Trained individuals exhibit enhanced skin endothelial function.
- Adolescent athletes' vascular health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare skin microvascular endothelial function between highly trained and untrained adolescent males.
- To determine if chronic exercise training improves endothelial function in adolescent skin.
Main Methods:
- Assessed skin microvascular endothelial function using laser Doppler flowmetry in 17 trained and 9 untrained adolescent males (13-15 years).
- Measured baseline and maximal thermally stimulated skin blood flow (SkBF).
- Evaluated cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC), peak reactive hyperemia, and area under the reactive hyperemia curve.
Main Results:
- Trained adolescents had significantly higher baseline and maximal SkBF compared to untrained controls.
- Maximal CVC during local heating was superior in the trained group.
- Peak hyperemia and reactive hyperemia area were significantly greater in trained subjects, indicating enhanced vasodilation.
Conclusions:
- Chronic exercise training in adolescents is associated with enhanced microvascular endothelial vasodilation in non-glabrous skin.
- These findings highlight the positive impact of exercise on vascular health during adolescence.
