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Atrial natriuretic factor responses to submaximal and maximal exercise
K Mandroukas1, A Zakas, N Aggelopoulou
1Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Maximal exercise significantly increases plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) concentration more than submaximal exercise. This finding suggests ANF levels can indicate cardiac function during intense physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) plays a role in cardiovascular regulation.
- Understanding ANF response to exercise is crucial for assessing cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma ANF levels during submaximal and maximal exercise in moderately trained women.
- To evaluate the influence of exercise intensity and duration on ANF release.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure plasma ANF concentration.
- Ten healthy women performed 20-minute cycle ergometer tests at submaximal and maximal intensities.
- Measurements included ANF, K+, Na+, blood lactate, heart rate, and blood pressure during exercise and recovery.
Main Results:
- Plasma ANF, K+, lactate, heart rate, and blood pressure increased significantly with exercise intensity and duration (P < 0.05, P < 0.001).
- Sodium (Na+) levels did not show a significant change.
- All measured variables, except Na+, decreased significantly during recovery (P < 0.01, P < 0.001).
- Maximal exercise demonstrated a greater stimulus for ANF release compared to submaximal exercise.
Conclusions:
- Both submaximal and maximal exercise increase ANF levels, influenced by duration and intensity.
- Maximal exercise is the primary driver of elevated plasma ANF concentration.
- Plasma ANF concentration may serve as a valuable biomarker for evaluating the heart's ANF-releasing function.