[Individual differences in the regulation and degree of maximal uptake of oxygen]

Neuronal and hormonal mechanisms responsible for the differences in the maximum oxygen consumption are discussed. The subjects with electroencephalographic and sensory signs of stimulating reticular-hypothalamic-amygdalic effects balanced with inhibitory cortical-striatic-septic-hippocampal-epiphyseal effects showed a high oxygen consumption, moderate excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine, moderate plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, total and free 11-OHCS and insulin, relatively high concentrations of STH, as well as specific dynamics of hormonal and metabolic reactions to aerobic effects. They included a moderate increase of the excretion of dopamine, DOPA and plasma concentrations of ACTH, a comparatively stable level of cortisol, total and free 11-OHCS, drastic increases of norepinephrine excretion and STH, lactate and pyruvate concentrations, a moderate decrease of insulin and pH levels. The subjects with high hypothalamic-reticular-amygdalic effects exhibited an opposite type of endocrine activity and time-course variations of hormonal-metabolic parameters, as well as low values of oxygen consumption.