Plasma volume, osmolality, vasopressin, and renin activity during graded exercise in man

Plasma volume (PV), renin activity (PRA), and osmotic (Osm), sodium (Na+), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations were measured in venous blood samples taken before and after three levels of cycle ergometer exercise (100, 175, and 225 W) in 15 young male volunteers. Plasma volume and solute concentrations changed significantly (P less than 0.05, denoted by *) with work intensity. The % delta PV was -3.7%* at 100 W, -8.8%* at 175 W, and -12.4%* at 225 W. Plasma Na+ concentration, Osm, and AVP increase were curvilinear with graded exercise and were significant only when work intensity exceeded 40% VO2max. PRA increase was linear and significant at all work levels. The % delta PV was significantly correlated with delta Osm (r = 0.99*) and delta Na+ (r = 0.89*) but had low correlations with delta AVP (r = 0.22, NS) and delta PRA (r = 0.12, NS). However, delta AVP was significantly correlated with delta Na+ (r = 0.86*) and delta Osm (r = 0.83*), whereas delta PRA had low correlations with delta Na+ (r = 0.33, NS), delta Osm (r = 0.29, NS), and delta AVP (r = 0.43, NS). The data support the hypothesis that a) with exercise, AVP release is a primary factor for fluid and electrolyte regulation as it is highly correlated with the plasma hyperosmolality produced by a net hypotonic plasma efflux; b) an exercise intensity greater than 40% VO2max is required to change plasma osmolality and, thus, stimulate significant AVP release; and c) the stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system is a more general stress response, which responds to increasing sympathetic nervous activity.