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European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology1987; 56(6); 639-642; doi: 10.1007/BF00424803

Formation of acetylcarnitine in muscle of horse during high intensity exercise.

Abstract: To study the changes in carnitine in muscle with spring exercise, two Thoroughbred horses performed two treadmill exercise tests. Biopsies of the middle gluteal were taken before, after exercise and after 12 min recovery. Resting mean muscle total carnitine content was 29.5 mmol.kg-1 dry muscle (d.m.). Approximately 88% was free carnitine, 7% acetylcarnitine and acylcarnitine was estimated at 5%. Exercise did not affect total carnitine, but resulted in a marked fall in free carnitine and almost equivalent rise in acetylcarnitine. The results are consistent with a role for carnitine in the regulation of the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio during sprint exercise in the Thoroughbred horse by buffering excess production of acetyl units.
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Publication Date: 1987-01-01 PubMed ID: 3678216DOI: 10.1007/BF00424803Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • 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.

This research examines the effect of high intensity exercise on muscle carnitine changes in Thoroughbred horses, expanding our understanding of the role carnitine plays in regulating acetyl-CoA/CoA ratios during physical exertion and suggesting its potential for buffering excess production of acetyl units.

Methodology and Research Scope

  • The study involved two Thoroughbred horses performing two treadmill exercise tests.
  • The researchers took biopsies from the middle gluteal of the horses before and after exercise, and again 12 minutes after recovery.

Findings and Initial Measurements

  • The resting mean muscle total carnitine content was measured at 29.5 mmol.kg-1 dry muscle (d.m.).
  • About 88% of this total carnitine was found to be free carnitine, while 7% was acetylcarnitine and acylcarnitine was estimated to be about 5%.
  • The research confirmed that high-intensity exercise did not affect the total carnitine in muscle.

Exercise Effects on Free Carnitine and Acetylcarnitine

  • The exercise resulted in a significant decrease in free carnitine and an almost equivalent increase in acetylcarnitine. This indicates a possible conversion of free carnitine to acetylcarnitine during physical activities.
  • Thus, the study affirms the active role carnitine plays in regulating the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio during high-intensity exercise in Thoroughbred horses.

Buffering Role in Acetyl Unit Production

  • As a key finding, the research points to the potential of carnitine in buffering excess production of acetyl units. It seems the rise in acetylcarnitine can absorb and help maintain balance when there is overproduction of these acetyl units during intensive exercise.
  • This discovery can be crucial in exploring carnitine’s role and implications for exercise physiology, both in horses and potentially transferable to other mammalian species.

Cite This Article

APA
Foster CV, Harris RC. (1987). Formation of acetylcarnitine in muscle of horse during high intensity exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol, 56(6), 639-642. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00424803

Publication

European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology
ISSN: 0301-5548
NlmUniqueID: 0410266
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 6
Pages: 639-642

Researcher Affiliations

Foster, C V
  • Physiology Unit, Animal Health Trust, Suffolk, England.
Harris, R C

    MeSH Terms

    • Acetylcarnitine / metabolism
    • Animals
    • Carbohydrate Metabolism
    • Carnitine / analogs & derivatives
    • Glycerol / blood
    • Glycerophosphates / blood
    • Horses / metabolism
    • Kinetics
    • Lactates / blood
    • Muscles / metabolism
    • Physical Exertion

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 11 times.
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    11. Hayden CMT, Nagarajan R, Smith ZH, Gilmore S, Kent JA. Postcontraction [acetylcarnitine] reflects interindividual variation in skeletal muscle ATP production patterns in vivo. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2024 Jan 1;326(1):R66-R78.
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