Erythrocyte alterations endurance exercise in horses.
Abstract: The erythrocytes of 14 conditioned horses participating in a 157-km endurance ride (requiring 14-21 h) were examined before the ride, immediately upon entering the 44-91-, and 130-km rest stops, and at the finish. At the first rest stop (44 km), the mean erythrocyte count increased 41% (P less than 0.001), the mean hematocrit (Hct) increased 30% (P less than 0.001) and the mean hemoglobin (Hb) increased 33% ( P less than 0.001). Although subsequent mean erythrocyte counts, Hct, and Hb values remained significantly elevated above controls, the values decreased 9-9% from the 4-km values later in the ride. These changes suggest a lost of red cells mass during the prolonged exercise. Spiculated red blood cells that increased markedly in number during exercise were also observed in these conditioned horses. The appearance of an increased number of spiculated red cells with exercise was associated with corresponding changes in red cell indices.
Publication Date: 1981-07-01 PubMed ID: 7263405DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1981.51.1.131Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
Summary
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The research article focuses on understanding the changes that occur in the red blood cells of horses during an endurance ride. The central finding suggests a loss of red cells mass over prolonged exercise as well as an increased number of spiculated red blood cells.
Research Methodology
- The researchers studied the erythrocytes, which are red blood cells, of 14 trained horses. This was done before, during, and after an exhaustive ride covering a distance of 157 kilometers, which took anywhere between 14 to 21 hours.
- The examination was repeated at different stages- before the start of the ride, immediately upon reaching 44-, 91-, and 130- kilometer stages, and at the end of the race.
Preliminary Findings
- During the first phase of the ride, at the 44-kilometer stop, an increase was seen in the average erythrocyte count by 41%, in the hematocrit (Hct, the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood) by 30%, and in hemoglobin (Hb, the iron-containing oxygen-transport protein in red blood cells) by 33%. This shows that the intense exercise led to an increase in the red blood cells properties, leading to an enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Later Findings and Comparison
- Even though the erythrocyte count, Hct, and Hb values remained higher than initial levels, they showed a decrease of about 9% from values at the 44-kilometer checkpoint later in the ride. This points to a possible depletion of red blood cells during long-duration exercise.
- A noteworthy appearance of spiculated red blood cells, which are red blood cells with abnormal shapes, was noted during the ride. Spiculated cells usually occur in situations of oxidative stress and trauma. Its increase in number coincided with changes in red cell indicators implying the stress placed on the horse’s body during the strenuous activity.
Significance and Conclusion
- The study presents significant insights into how the body of an endurance horse responds and adapts to the strenuous demand of prolonged exercise. Understanding these erythrocyte alterations during endurance exercise might be beneficial in improving the health status and performance of these horses.
- The occurrence of spiculated red cells with exercise illuminates the cellular-level stress the horses undergo, and more research in this area could help develop strategies to reduce their prevalence and impact.
Cite This Article
APA
Boucher JH, Ferguson EW, Wilhelmsen CL, Statham N, McMeekin RR.
(1981).
Erythrocyte alterations endurance exercise in horses.
J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol, 51(1), 131-134.
https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1981.51.1.131 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Erythrocyte Indices
- Erythrocytes / cytology
- Erythrocytes / physiology
- Heart Rate
- Horses / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Temperature
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Jauchem JR, Bernhard JA, Cerna CZ, Lim TY, Seaman RL, Tarango M. Effects of a TASER® conducted energy weapon on the circulating red-blood-cell population and other factors in Sus scrofa.. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013 Sep;9(3):308-20.
- Waltz X, Romana M, Lalanne-Mistrih ML, Machado RF, Lamarre Y, Tarer V, Hardy-Dessources MD, Tressières B, Divialle-Doumdo L, Petras M, Maillard F, Etienne-Julan M, Connes P. Hematologic and hemorheological determinants of resting and exercise-induced hemoglobin oxygen desaturation in children with sickle cell disease.. Haematologica 2013 Jul;98(7):1039-44.
- Sumikawa K, Mu Z, Inoue T, Okochi T, Yoshida T, Adachi K. Changes in erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition induced by physical training and physical exercise.. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1993;67(2):132-7.
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