Endothelium-derived nitric oxide activity in forearm vessels of tennis players

• Published in: Journal of applied physiology (1985) Vol. 81; no. 2; p. 943
• Main Authors: Green, D J, Fowler, D T, O'Driscoll, J G, Blanksby, B A, Taylor, R R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.1996
• Subjects: Acetylcholine - pharmacology; Adult; Blood Pressure - physiology; Blood Vessels - drug effects; Blood Vessels - metabolism; Endothelium, Vascular - drug effects; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology; Exercise - physiology; Forearm - anatomy & histology; Forearm - blood supply; Hand Strength - physiology; Heart Rate - physiology; Humans; Hyperemia - physiopathology; Male; Nitric Oxide - metabolism; Nitric Oxide Synthase - antagonists & inhibitors; Nitroprusside - pharmacology; omega-N-Methylarginine - pharmacology; Physical Fitness - physiology; Regional Blood Flow - drug effects; Regional Blood Flow - physiology; Tennis; Vascular Resistance - drug effects; Vasodilator Agents - pharmacology
• ISSN: 8750-7587
• DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1996.81.2.943

The aim of this study was to determine whether physical conditioning induced by a repetitive exercise stimulus would elicit changes in the response of forearm resistance vessels to an infusion of substances that modulate nitric oxide synthesis. Forearm blood flow responses to a 5-min ischemic stimulus and intrabrachial infusion of acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine were examined in the preferred and nonpreferred limbs of eight habitual tennis players. Forearm volume, girth, and grip strength were significantly greater in the preferred limb, indicating a bilateral difference in physical condition. This was associated with an enhanced reactive hyperemic response in the preferred limb (53.5 +/- 9.4 vs. 38.8 +/- 4.7 ml.100 ml-1.min-1; P < 0.05). No differences between the limbs were evident in response to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. These results suggest that exercise training enhances the peak vasodilator capacity of the vasculature without influencing basal or stimulated activity of the nitric oxide dilator system in vivo.