Responses of blood and plasma lactate and plasma purine concentrations to maximal exercise and their relation to performance in standardbred trotters.

This research paper examines whether measurements of blood lactate and purines, which are produced during intense exercise, could be a predictor of exercise performance in Standardbred trotters. The study found a correlation, suggesting these markers may be useful predictors of anaerobic capacity.

Study Sample and Methods

• The study observed 16 healthy Standardbred trotters to understand the relationship between intense exercise and the accumulation of lactate and purines in the blood.
• The trotters were engaged in a 2,100-meter race, with blood samples taken before and up to 15 minutes after the race.
• Blood and plasma lactate concentrations were measured using an enzymatic analyzer, while purines, uric acid and allantoin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.
• The metabolite concentrations were then compared against racing time and a range of performance indexes, including percentage of winnings, placings, starts rejected, average earnings per start, and the horses’ racing records.

Findings

• The study found that immediately after the race and 15 minutes post-race, there was a positive correlation between blood lactate concentration and individual performance indexes in the trotters. This indicates that horses performing better in the race had higher blood lactate levels.
• Interestingly, plasma lactate concentration showed no correlation with performance indexes.
• Uric acid concentration was negatively correlated with performance indexes, immediately after the race and 15 minutes post-race. A higher uric acid concentration was also associated with longer racing time.
• The concentration of allantoin (another purine) showed no significant correlation with the performance indexes at any time point.

Conclusions

• The accumulation of lactate in the blood, which was observed in high-performing horses, might serve as a useful predictor of a horse’s anaerobic capacity.
• The research also implied that superior performing horses experienced less loss of purine nucleotides. However, given the lack of correlation with allantoin levels, the researchers suggest further studies are required to confirm this point.