Non-exercise daily energy expenditure and physical activity pattern in male endurance athletes.

The present study was performed to determine whether differences in non-exercise daily energy expenditure (Md,ne) exist between trained and untrained individuals. The data from seven cross-country skiers were compared with those from eight sedentary men. Daily energy expenditure (Md) was determined using the heart rate-oxygen consumption relationship; resting metabolic rate (Mr) was measured using indirect calorimetry. A physical activity questionnaire and ratios of Md or Md,ne to Mr were used as indices of physical activity. Md and Mr were significantly higher in the trained subjects whereas Md,ne was identical in the two groups. The ratio of Md,ne to Mr and the data from the physical activity questionnaire showed that there was no significant difference in daily energy expenditure and physical activity pattern during the non-exercise time. These results suggest that the exercise-induced increase in daily energy requirements is not compensated by a more sedentary life during the other daily activities in these trained men.     

Differential responses of synaptosomal cation movements and respiration to the convulsants penicillin, pentylenetetrazol and 3-aminopyridine

The effect of three convulsants was tested in rat cortical synaptosomes by measuring Na+ and K+ movements and respiration. Penicillin (of its derivatives the 3-phenyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl-penicillin, i.e. oxacillin was used) at 2 to 14 mM concentration prolonged the uptake phase of the K+-curve without altering final cation equilibrium. Pentylenetetrazol, at 10 to 50 mM exerted a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on K+-uptake, while 3-aminopyridine was effective only at high concentrations (50 mM) preventing synaptosomal K+-uptake and increasing the synaptosomal Na+-content without, however, blocking respiration. The data suggest a transitional rise of K+-permeability of synaptosomal membrane in the presence of oxacillin, without lasting depolarization. Sufficient doses of 3-aminopyridine probably depolarize synaptosomes, the underlying mechanism probably being associated with the primary blocking of K+-channels and a subsequent increase in Na+ influx rather than with the inhibition of the Na+--K+-pump.