Exercise-training-induced alterations in hepatic function in mares.
Abstract: The effects of exercise training on hepatic function in horses were determined by studying the plasma clearance of antipyrine (20 mg/kg iv) in adult mares that either underwent treadmill training for 5 wk (n = 7) or remained in box stalls for the same time period (n = 6). Training consisted of treadmill exercise at 60% (12 min/day) and 90% (3 min/day) of pretraining maximal oxygen consumption (V(O2)max) for 6 days/wk for 5 wk. V(O2)max and velocity to obtain a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l were significantly increased (from 129 to 149 ml x min-1 x kg-1 and from 5.6 to 6.1 m/s, respectively) as a result of training. The plasma clearance and volume of distribution of antipyrine increased significantly in the trained group (from 5.5 to 6.4 ml x min-1 x kg-1 and from 813 to 881 ml/kg, respectively) and decreased significantly in the untrained group. Elimination half-lives did not change as a result of training or box rest. Increases in plasma antipyrine clearance were indicative of an increase in hepatic metabolism of antipyrine. Increases in the volume of distribution of antipyrine suggest that total body water increases as a result of exercise training.
Publication Date: 1998-10-07 PubMed ID: 9760339DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1998.85.4.1442Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study reveals that exercise training in horses positively influences hepatic function, shown by an increase in antipyrine clearance and body water amount, indirectly highlighting an improvement in metabolism in the liver.
Research Methodology
- The study was conducted on adult mares that were put into two groups. One group underwent treadmill training for five weeks (seven horses), and the other group was kept in box stalls for the same period (six horses).
- The training routine involved treadmill exercise at 60% (for 12 minutes per day) and 90% (for 3 minutes per day) of the pre-training maximal oxygen consumption (V(O2)max) for six days every week for five weeks.
Research Findings
- The research showed significant increases in V(O2)max and velocity in the trained horses, implying that these horses’ aerobic capacity and speed were improved due to exercise.
- The volume of antipyrine clearance and distribution in the trained group significantly increased, indicating improved hepatic metabolism rates. Lower clearance and distribution were found in untrained horses pointing towards a reduction in their hepatic function.
- It was observed that the elimination half-lives didn’t change due to either training or box rest, suggesting that exercise training didn’t affect antipyrine’s elimination rate.
- The increase in Antipyrine’s volume of distribution suggests a rise in total body water due to exercise, indicating an overall increase in hydration levels in the trained horses.
Study Implications
- The findings of this study indicate that exercise training can enhance hepatic function and hydration levels in horses. The correlation of increased antipyrine clearance and volume with exercise training indicates an improvement in the horses’ metabolic activity and water retention.
- These findings could have implications for horse health management and fitness training, enhancing performance by improving overall health and physiological capacities. The role of exercise in enhancing hepatic function can also be relevant for other animal species and potentially humans.
Cite This Article
APA
Dyke TM, Sams RA, Hinchcliff KW.
(1998).
Exercise-training-induced alterations in hepatic function in mares.
J Appl Physiol (1985), 85(4), 1442-1447.
https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1998.85.4.1442 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Analytical Toxicology Laboratory and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1089, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antipyrine / pharmacokinetics
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Lactates / blood
- Liver / physiology
- Metabolic Clearance Rate
- Oxygen Consumption
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Physical Endurance / physiology
- Time Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Knych HK. Administration Studies in Equine Antidoping Research: Designing Scientific Investigations to Effectively Direct Medication Control in Racehorses. Drug Test Anal 2025 Sep;17(9):1560-1566.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
