Effects of N,N-dimethylglycine on cardiorespiratory function and lactate production in thoroughbred horses performing incremental treadmill exercise.

This study investigated the impacts of N,N-dimethylglycine on cardiorespiratory functions and lactate production in thoroughbred horses while exercising. The results revealed no significant improvements, proposing that this compound does not enhance exercise performance in these animals.

Details of the Experiment

• The study was conducted as a crossover research, where each horse was subjected to experience both conditions, i.e., receiving N, N-dimethylglycine and a placebo paste alternatively.
• The drug or placebo was administered orally at a dose rate of 1.2 mg/kg twice daily to six thoroughbred horses for five days.
• The horses chosen for the study weighed between 424 to 492 kg, providing a good general sample of thoroughbred horse weights.
• Regression equations previously determined were used to set the treadmill speeds during the trials, correlating to fixed percentages of the horse’s maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max).
• The test consisted of two-minute stages at speeds equivalent to about 40% and 50% VO2max, and one-minute stages at speeds that approximated 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% VO2max.

Measurements and Results

• During the last five seconds of each exercise stage, various parameters were measured. This included oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate, arterial blood and plasma lactate concentrations, arterial blood gases and pH.
• Additionally, muscle biopsies were taken from the middle gluteal muscle before and immediately after the exercise test to determine muscle lactate concentrations.
• The data analysis found no significant differences in any of the recorded values upon administering N, N-dimethylglycine, including those associated with cardiorespiratory functions or lactate production.

Conclusion

• Observations and data analysis concluded that the compound N,N-dimethylglycine has no beneficial impact on cardiorespiratory function or lactate production in exercising horses.
• This finding implies that this compound does not enhance exercise performance in thoroughbred horses despite previous suggestions it might.