We studied the effect of different doses of ammonium chloride (ACl) and ammonium carbonate (ACr) on immunological parameters of the peripheral blood in rats during high-intensity exercise. Changes in the absolute and relative numbers of granulocytes, lymphocytes, natural killers, naive and mature effector cells one day after the end of the forced swimming cycle were found by using a hematological analyzer and a flow cytometer. Immunological indicators were analyzed relative to swimming duration on the last day of ultimate load. The revealed changes indicate the onset of the effector phase of the development of the inflammatory processes in the positive control group (physiological saline) and in rats receiving a higher dose of ACr (20 mg/kg), while administration of ACl prevented the development of inflammatory processes and shifts in the physiological balance of lymphocyte subpopulations. Immunological profiling indicates that ACl in a dose of 20 mg/kg most effectively improved physical performance in our forced swimming model.

We performed a detailed analysis of changes in the profiles of osmotic deformability using the method of gradient ektacytometry. Changes in all determinants that form the deformation properties of red blood cells in Wistar rats in the juvenile period and before puberty were determined. The dynamics of the formation of the rheological properties of the blood after birth is characterized by a wave-like change in the studied determinants. The changes are explained by adaptive reactions to extrauterine life as a result of hematopoiesis activation and the transition of the red bone marrow to a new level of functioning with the predominant replacement of physiological reticulocytosis in newborns with mature erythrocytes. The most critical period is from 10 days to 1 month after birth. Starting from the second month, the deformation parameters of erythrocytes are stabilized.

The aim of the work was to study the effect of different doses of two ammonium compounds, chloride (ClA) and carbonate (CrA), as well as their combination with decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) on the immunological parameters of the peripheral blood of rats during high-intensity exercise. Changes in the absolute and relative numbers of granulocytes, lymphocytes, natural killer cells, naive and mature effector cells, as well as some minor lymphocyte fractions, were established using a hematological analyzer and a flow cytometer one day after the end of the forced swimming cycle. Immunological parameters were compared with the duration of swimming on the last day of the cycle and with the average duration over 4 days of maximum load. The revealed changes indicate a high adaptogenic effectiveness of ClA at a dose of 20 mg/kg, since the animals of this group showed high functional results and they did not show signs of maladjustment and overstrain of immunity. CrA at a dose of 10 mg/kg led to a similar increase in functional results, but this was accompanied by the mobilization of the cellular immune response in rats. Doubling the dose of CrA led to a failure of adaptation. GTE did not contribute to an increase in physical performance, however, it had a positive effect on the state of the immune system of animals. The combination of GTE with ammonium salts did not lead to a significant improvement of the functional indicators, and, in general, had a negative effect on cellular immunity of animals of the GTE+CrA10 group, and, to a lesser extent, of the GTE+ClA20 group.

We compared the effects of two doses of ammonium chloride and ammonium carbonate (10 and 20 mg/kg) on the duration of swimming and blood lactate level. Ammonium chloride in a dose of 20 mg/kg was more efficient than in a dose of 10 mg/kg. The efficiency of ammonium carbonate in a dose of 10 mg/kg was similar to that of ammonium chloride in a dose of 20 mg/kg. Increasing the dose of ammonium carbonate to 20 mg/kg led to a decrease in the duration of swimming. On the last day of the experiment, lactate level in 5 min after exhausting load was maximum in control rats, while in rats treated with 10 mg/kg ammonium carbonate and 20 mg/kg ammonium chloride it was lower by 27 and 33%, respectively. In the control group, the amplitude of the decrease in lactate concentration in 1 h after load was 2-fold greater than in the group receiving ammonium chloride in a dose of 20 mg/kg and 1.6-fold greater that in groups treated with ammonium carbonate in a dose of 10 mg/kg and ammonium chloride in a dose of 20 mg/kg.

thallium is known to produce one of the most complex and serious patterns of toxicity, involving a wide range of human organs and tissues.the toxic impact on biologic organisms is linked especially to the ability of tl + to disturb calcium homeostasis and to permeate easily the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM).the aim of this work was to study the effects of Tl + on intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes as well as on sodium penetrability of the IMM and tl + -induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPtP) opening in isolated Ca 2+ -loaded rat heart mitochondria (RHM).The use of the fluorescent calcium indicator Fura 2 aM showed that tl + induced calcium influx across the plasmatic membrane, resulting in calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) increase in the cytoplasm.this increase was even more pronounced in experiments with accelerating of tl + -transmembrane fluxes by nonactin.It was nevertheless abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca 2+ ions, but was not inhibited by a calcium-channel blocker (nifedipine).tl + did not release calcium from the intracellular stores.tl + potentiated sodium permeability of the IMM because swelling of nonenergized rhM in medium containing tlNo 3 and NaNo 3 was enhanced at high tl + concentration.the calcium load of rhM induced MPtP opening which was accompanied by the increase of the swelling as well as the decrease of the inner membrane potential and of state 4 0 (basal) and state 3U DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol-uncoupled) respiration.These effects of Tl + were suppressed by MPtP inhibitors (cyclosporine a, aDP and n-ethylmaleimide).the data obtained showed that tl + -stimulated influx of extracellular calcium into cardiomyocytes could cause calcium and sodium rhM overload, which lead to the MPtP opening, thus determining the sensitivity of heart muscle to thallium intoxication.K e y w o r d s: tl + , Ca 2+ , Na + , cardiomyocytes, rat heart mitochondria, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPtP).

The inotropic and chronotropic effects of gadolinium ions (Gd3+) were studied in heart muscle preparations of the frog Rana ridibunda. In addition, the influence of Gd3+ on oxygen consumption rates, swelling and the inner membrane potential (∆Ψmito) were studied in glutamate and malate energized rat heart mitochondria (RHM). It was found that Gd3+ decreases the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous heart contractions. At the same time, Gd3+ prevents Ca2+ -induced swelling of these organelles in salt media and falling ∆Ψmito. In this case, regardless of the presence of Ca2+ in the medium, Gd3+ has a weak effect on mitochondrial state 3 or 3UDNP respiration (in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol). In calcium free experiments, Gd3+ stimulates passive swelling of RHM. These effects of Gd3+ may indicate that Gd3+ does not exert a toxic effect on RHM but, on the other hand, inhibits opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) in the inner membrane. Our data provide better insight into the mechanisms of action of rare earth elements on Ca2+ -dependent processes in the myocardium of vertebrates.

Ammonium, an end-product of catabolism, in low doses can promote adaptation of metabolic pathways in erythrocytes under conditions of extreme physical exercise. We compared the effects of two ammonium salts, ammonium chloride and ammonium carbonate, in two doses on biochemical parameters of rat erythrocytes 1 day after extreme physical exercise in a 4-week cycle of forced swimming. Of 16 analyzed parameters, the maximum number of significant shifts from the control was revealed in the groups of rats receiving ammonium chloride in doses of 20 and 10 mg/kg, and the minimal number of differences was found in groups treated with ammonium carbonate in the same doses. The comparison of the levels of reduced glutathione and 2.3-bisphosphoglicerate and activities of 5'-nucleotidase and Ca2+- and Na/K-ATPases attested to more rigorous control of the mechanism of oxygen delivery to tissues by erythrocytes after administration of ammonium chloride in a dose of 20 mg/kg.

We studied the inotropic and chronotropic effects of gadolinium ions (Gd 3+ ) on contractility of frog Rana ridibunda heart muscle preparations. In addition, the influence of Gd 3+ on oxygen uptake rates, swelling and the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨ mito ) were studied in glutamate- and malate-energized rat heart mitochondria (RHM). It was found that Gd 3+ decreases the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous heart contractions. At the same time, Gd 3+ prevents Ca 2+ -induced swelling of these organelles in saline media and falling of ΔΨ mito . In this case, regardless of the presence of Ca 2+ in the medium, Gd 3+ has a weak effect on mitochondrial state 3 or 3U DNP respiration (in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol). In calcium free experiments, Gd 3+ stimulates passive swelling of RHM. These effects of Gd 3+ may indicate that Gd 3+ has no toxic effect on RHM but, on the other hand, inhibits opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) in the inner membrane. Our data provide better insight into the mechanisms of action of rare earth elements on Ca 2+ -dependent processes in the myocardium of vertebrates.

The inotropic and chronotropic effects of neodymium ions (Nd3+) on the heart muscle of a frog Rana ridibunda and the influence of Nd3+ on respiration, swelling, and potential (∆Ψmito) of Ca2+-loaded rat heart mitochondria (RHM) were studied. It was found that Nd3+ reduced the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous heart contraction (Fmax); Nd3+ also prevented a short-term increase in Ca2+-induced basal respiration of mitochondria and their swelling in salt media, as well as a decrease of ∆Ψmito on the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). At the same time, Nd3+ slightly affected mitochondrial respiration in state 3 or in 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-uncoupled state. These effects of Nd3+ may indicate that Nd3+ inhibits the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, which is formed in calcium loaded mitochondria. The data obtained are important for a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of rare earth elements on Ca2+-dependent processes in the myocardium of vertebrates.

The study of natural compounds, increasing endurance and (or) accelerating recovery, is the most important task of sports medicine and physiology. This paper presents the results of comparing the effects of decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and one of the endogenous products of amino acid metabolism, ammonia, which was tested as a solution of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) alone and in combination with GTE as a stimulator of physical performance. In a forced swimming model, the stimulating effect of NH4Cl was established, which exceeded the action of GTE. Multidirectional adaptive changes of some biochemical parameters of blood plasma and erythrocytes were revealed in rats using GTE and NH4Cl, as well as enhancing effect of combined application of these compounds on the performance of rats. A mechanism is proposed for optimizing the oxygen transport and shuttle function of erythrocytes by ammonium chloride under conditions of intense physical activity.

The expression of genes responsible for the synthesis of essential proteins regulating the calcium-ion balance and ultrastructural characteristics of fast-twitch (m. extensor digitorum longus, EDL) and slow-twitch (m. soleus, SOL) skeletal muscles under prolonged exercise were studied in an experimental model of forced-swimming rats. A day after the end of the exercise, no significant changes in any of the five investigated genes were revealed in the SOL. A few triad elements (T-tubules and cisternae of sarcoplasmic reticulum) were revealed. A small number of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) structures in the control and a slight increase in their amount after exercises were noticed. Polymorphism and mitochondrial defects within SOL muscles indicate the importance of these structures in the regulation of calcium balance. In EDL muscles, adaptation mechanisms are aimed mainly at pumping Ca 2+ ions to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, where the main calcium buffer is calsequestrin. Expression of SERCA1 gene increased by an order of magnitude, and that of CASQ1 increased by three times. Electron microscopy showed a major role of triads in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis in the EDL muscles, as well as a greater destruction of these muscles compared to SOL after exhausting exercise. The high level of triads and a possible activation of the CICR (calcium-induced calcium release) mechanism in fast-twitch muscles can cause damage to them during exhausting exercise. Adaptation of SOL muscles is associated with structural rearrangements of the mitochondrial apparatus, while adaptation of the EDL muscles is caused by calcium removal from the sarcoplasm with Ca-ATPase and its retention in the sarcoplasmic reticulum by calsequestrin.

We studied the role of calcium-regulating structures of slow- (m. soleus, SOL) and fast-twitch (m. extensor digitorum longus, EDL) skeletal muscles of rats during adaptation to exhausting physical activity and the possibility of modulating this adaptation with decaffeinated green tea extract. It was established that EDL adaptation is mainly aimed at Са2+ elimination from the sarcoplasm by Са-ATPase and its retention in the reticulum by calsequestrin. Administration of green tea extract increased endurance due to involvement of slow-twitch muscles whose adaptation is associated with enhanced expression of all the studied genes responsible for the regulation of Ca2+ balance.

Исследовали влияние предельной силовой физической нагрузки (ФН) на динамику работоспособности мышц-разгибателей колена в сочетании с измерением физиологических и биохимических показателей в процессе выполнения упражнения. В начале ФН происходило снижение объема выполняемой работы, который стабилизировался при уменьшении веса поднимаемого груза до 50%. Максимальная амплитуда поверхностной электромиограммы m. rectus femoris имела стойкую тенденцию к повышению в первой половине ФН, сменившуюся стабилизацией показателя в конце нагрузки. ФН вызвала значительное увеличение концентрации лактата в плазме крови, вдвое выросла концентрация миоглобина, активность креатинкиназы (КК) осталась неизмененной. В основе снижения работоспособности в процессе ФН лежит, вероятно, постепенный “отказ от работы” быстрых двигательных единиц (ДЕ) и выполнение ее за счет более слабых, промежуточных и медленных ДЕ. Отсутствие изменений активности КК и незначительный прирост миоглобина в плазме крови позволяют предполагать и не слишком значительные повреждения мембран миоцитов у испытуемых под влиянием данной истощающей нагрузки.

Oral administration of green tea extract in a dose of 6 mg/kg twice a day (before and after exercise) over 2 weeks significantly increased swimming times on week 1 and 2 in comparison with control animals receiving water. The 7-day and final exhaustive running in rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in spleen weight and iron serum levels associated with developed reticulocytosis. Administration of green tea extract in a dose of 12 mg/kg once a day (before exercise) for 2 weeks did not affect the duration of the running, but prevented the decrease in serum iron and spleen weight, that, along with a significantly increased concentration of reduced glutathione in erythrocytes, can indicate a normalizing effect of green tea extract on hemopoiesis and stimulating effect on the antioxidant system of erythrocytes.

The effect of exhaustive weightlifting exercise (WE) on the time-related changes in performance capacity was studied along with measuring several physiological and biochemical variables during exercise. The work performed decreased soon after the start of exercise and stabilized after reducing the amount of weight used (40-10% 1RM). The maximal amplitude of the surface electromyogram (EMG) of m. rectus femori strongly tended to increase in the first half of WE and stabilized at the end of WE. WE substantially increased the blood plasma lactate level, the myoglobin concentration grew twice as high, while creatine kinase (CK) activity remained unchanged. It was assumed to explain the observed decrease in performance capacity that fast motor units (MUs) progressively refuse to work, while weaker intermediate and slow MUs continue working. Unchanged CK activity and an insignificant increase in plasma myoglobin suggested only minor, if any, WE-induced damage to myocyte membranes in the subjects.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exhaustive weightlifting exercise on electrical and biochemical variables and performance capacity in young male subjects. The onset of exercise (80-50% 1RM) was associated with a decrease in the amount of work performed, which was followed by a steady performance capacity at 40-10% 1RM. There were no significant changes of m. rectus femoris EMG maximal amplitude though it tended to be increased during the first half of exercise. A significant blood lactate concentration increase indicated that an anaerobic metabolism was a predominant mechanism of muscle contraction energy-supply. CK level in blood plasma did not change but plasma myoglobin concentration doubled immediately post-exercise. The data presented here suggest that decrease in performance capacity was likely due to progressive "refusal of work" of the fast motor units and work prolongation of weaker, intermediate and slow motor units. Unchangeable CK activity and relatively small increase in myoglobin concentration in plasma suggest that used weightlifting exercise did not induced substantial damage in myocytes' membranes in our subjects.

Hematological and biochemical parameters were studied in rat blood in the dynamics of immobilization (0.5, 1, and 3 h). Immobilization was followed by a release of old erythrocytes in the circulation and the development of reticulocytosis. The neutrophil count significantly increased by the third hour of immobilization. Restraint stress induced changes in activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) in erythrocytes and plasma level of MDA. The correlation between each enzyme (SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) and MDA concentration was the highest 1 h after the beginning of immobilization. These data can reflect the tension of antioxidant systems in red blood cells. The biochemical parameters returned to the basal level by the third hour of immobilization. Correlation coefficients between the activities of antioxidant enzymes and MDA amount decreased after 3 h of stress and the correlation between glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione significantly increased. The redox status of the blood returned to the initial values after 3 h.