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Effects of two training protocols on Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in horses
M F M Costa1, H M Davies, G A Anderson
1Waikato Institute of Technology, Department of Science and Primary Industries, Hamilton, New Zealand. mfveterinaria@hotmail.com
Equine Veterinary Journal
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Exercise training significantly increases Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in horses, suggesting ACE may be a useful fitness indicator. Levels decrease after training cessation, highlighting the need to consider training status in ACE evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Equine physiology
- Exercise science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human studies link Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) genetic polymorphisms and plasma activity to athletic performance.
- A similar correlation is hypothesized in horses, with no prior data on training effects on equine plasma ACE activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of exercise training on circulating ACE activity in horses.
- To determine if different training protocols yield varied ACE activity responses.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen horses underwent 15 weeks of one of two training protocols.
- Blood samples were collected bi-weekly during training and for 8 weeks post-training.
- Plasma ACE activity was measured using automated spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- Fifteen weeks of training significantly elevated plasma ACE activity, regardless of the protocol.
- ACE activity peaked with maximum workload and decreased significantly upon training cessation.
- No significant differences in ACE activity patterns were observed between the two training protocols.
Conclusions:
- Exercise training demonstrably affects equine plasma ACE activity levels.
- ACE activity may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring equine fitness.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms, possibly involving cardiovascular adaptations and blood pressure regulation.
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