Net O2, CO2, lactate, and acid exchange by muscle during progressive working contractions

The net O2 uptake (VO2), CO2 output (VCO2), lactate output (L), and non-CO2 acid output (HA) by the gastrocnemius-plantaris muscle group of the dog were measured during progressively loaded isotonic tetanic contractions. Shortening during the 1/s contractions was maintained constant as load was increased by raising the stimulus voltage applied to the motor nerve. Contractions at each load continued for 5 min with two arterial and four venous blood samples obtained during the last minute at each load. Work rate (W) during the contractions was calculated from the load and the shortening. The VO2 increased linearly with time and W. The VCO2 generally followed VO2 with a modest lag during the first two work periods. L increased with time, W, and VO2. Maximal L was lower than that seen during repetitive maximal twitch contractions. HA also increased with time, W, and VO2 and was much larger than L at the higher work rates. It is concluded that L and HA are independent variables during progressive working contractions, as they were during repetitive twitch contractions. Both L and HA patterns may be explained as summations of the respective exchanges of L and HA with time by sequentially recruited groups of muscle fibers.