Physiol. Res. 52: 743-748, 2003

Estrogen Effect on Some Enzymes in Female Rats after Downhill Running     

S. SOTIRIADOU, A. KYPAROS, V. MOUGIOS1, CH. TRONTZOS1,
G. SIDIRAS1, CH. MATZIARI1

Laboratory of Physiology and 1Laboratory of Sport Hygiene and Nutrition, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Received October 25, 2002
Accepted January 2, 2003


Summary
The study investigates the effect of administered estrogen on plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels in female ovariectomized rats after downhill running. Rats ovariectomized before sexual maturity were subcutaneously implanted with pellets containing 17β-estradiol or placebo. Three weeks later they were subjected to a 90-min intermittent downhill running protocol. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein immediately after and 72 h after exercise for determination of plasma CK, LD and 17β-estradiol levels. A two-way analysis of variance was used for data evaluation. Plasma CK and LD levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the estrogen-supplemented, ovariectomized animals which suggests that less muscle damage occurred compared to the controls immediately and 72 h after exercise. Estrogens may have a protective effect on muscle tissue possibly due to their antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties.


Key words
CK • LD • Estrogen • Eccentric exercise • Muscle damage


© 2003 by the Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences