Changes in concentrations of tissue free radical marker and serum creatine kinase during the post-exercise period in rats

Changes in the concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), an index of lipid peroxidation in liver, heart and soleus muscle, were studied in trained (T) and untrained (U) rats throughout a period of 48–72 h following running until exhaustion. Creatine kinase (CK) concentration in serum was also determined. The running time till exhaustion in group T was significantly longer than in group U [174.5 (SEM 9.8) vs 92.7 (SEM 8.3) min,P < 0.01]. In group U TBARS concentration in investigated tissues increased significantly (P < 0.01) after exercise with the peak values observed 3 h after running. The post-exercise increase in the TBARS concentration persisted longer in the soleus muscle (48 h) than in the liver or heart (3 h). A postexercise increase of TBARS was observed in group T only in the liver. The influence of training on the TBARS content depended on the kind of tissue. The TBARS concentrations in the liver at rest and immediately after the exercise were lower in group U than in group T. In contrast, TBARS concentrations in the heart and soleus muscle were higher in group U than in group T. The exercise resulted, in both groups, in a rise of serum CK concentration, peak values being observed 3 h following the exercise. Postexercise concentrations of CK were considerably lower in group T than in group U [3 h postexercise: 1740 (SEM 170) vs 2750 (SEM 231) U · 1−1P < 0.01]. A positive correlation (r = 0.66,P < 0.05) between TBARS content in muscle and serum CK concentration was found only in group U. The results obtained indicated that the generation of lipid peroxidation products in the soleus muscle was intensified for a relatively long time after the exercise. Endurance training decreased the susceptibility of tissues to the action of free radicals. However, this influence of training was more pronounced in the heart and soleus muscle than in the liver.