Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(3): 171-176
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-820957
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Carbohydrate on Portal Vein Blood Flow During Exercise

N. J. Rehrer1 , E. Goes2 , C. DuGardeyn2 , H. Reynaert3 , K. DeMeirleir1
  • 1Department of Sports Medicine and Human Physiology, Academic Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • 2Department of Radiology, Academic Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • 3Department of Gastroenterology, Academic Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: March 1, 2004

Publication Date:
26 August 2004 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Effects of carbohydrate ingestion and exercise on portal vein blood flow were studied. Flow was measured by pulsed-electronic Doppler. Eight male subjects performed four tests after a standardised breakfast and 5 h fast. Beverages were CHO (10 % glucose, 30 mmol · l-1 NaCl) and W (water, 30 mmol · l-1 NaCl). Exercise experiments comprised a resting measurement, 10 min warm-up and 60 min 70 % VO2max cycling. Every 10 min subjects stopped cycling briefly (∼ 30 s) for measurements. Beverage was consumed after warm-up (500 ml) and at 20 and 40 min (250 ml). Similar tests were done at rest. Blood samples were taken concurrently with flow measurements for hormonal concentrations. Exercise decreased blood flow (repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.0001) and carbohydrate ingestion increased flow (p = 0.015). At rest, flow was greater with CHO than with W at 20 (177 ± 31; 101 ± 25 %, resp.) (mean ± SE), 30 (209 ± 37; 120 ± 20 %), 40 (188 ± 32; 108 ± 12 %), and 60 min (195 ± 19; 112 ± 12 %) (1-way ANOVA, Fisher's PLSD, p < 0.05). Flow was similar during exercise with CHO and W, with a tendency for CHO to maintain flow better, at 10 (124 ± 27; 77 ± 21 %), 20 (81 ± 10; 60 ± 13 %), 30 (106 ± 26; 56 ± 10 %), 40 (109 ± 28; 54 ± 8 %), 50 (85 ± 17; 54 ± 13 %), and 60 min (61 ± 15; 47 ± 7 %). A positive correlation between glucagon and flow and an inverse correlation between noradrenaline and flow were observed. Exercise reduces, and carbohydrate increases, portal vein flow. Changes in plasma concentrations suggest that noradrenaline and glucagon, respectively, may play a role in modulating flow.

Key words

Splanchnic - sympathoadrenergic - noradrenaline - Doppler

References

  • 1 Bearn A G, Billing B H, Sherlock S. The effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline on hepatic flow and splanchnic carbohydrate metabolism in man.  J Physiol. 1951;  39 430-441
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Braatvedt G, Stanners A, Newrick P G, Halliwell M, Corrall R JM. Evidence against a putative role for glucagon as a physiological vasodilator in man.  Clin Sci. 1993;  84 193-199
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Chaudhuri K R, Thomaides T, Mathias C J. Abnormality of superior mesenteric artery blood flow responses in human sympathetic failure.  J Physiol. 1992;  457 477-489
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Eriksen M, Waaler B A. Priority of blood flow to splanchnic organs in humans during pre- and post-meal exercise.  Acta Physiol Scand. 1994;  150 363-372
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Feruglio F S, Greco F, Cesano L, Clongo P G, Sardi G, Chiandussi L. The effects of glucagon on systemic and on net peripheral and hepatosplanchnic balance of glucose, lactic and pyruvic acids in normal subjects and cirrhotics.  Clin Sci. 1966;  30 43-50
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Fronek K, Fronek A. Combined effect of exercise and digestion on hemodynamics in conscious dogs.  Am J Physiol. 1970;  218 555-559
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Granger D N, Kveitys P R, Wilborn W H, Mortillaro N A, Taylor A E. Mechanism of glucagon-induced intestinal secretion.  Am J Physiol. 1980;  239 30-38
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Iwao T, Toyonaga A, Ikegami M, Sumino M, Oho K, Sakaki M, Shigemori H, Tanikawa K, Iwao J. Effects of exercise-induced sympathoadrenergic activation on portal blood flow.  Dig Dis Sci. 1995;  40 48-51
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Mailman D. Relationships between intestinal absorption and hemodynamics.  Ann Rev Physiol. 1982;  44 43-55
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Okazaki K, Miyazaki M, Onishi S, Ito K. Effects of food intake and various extrinsic hormones on portal blood flow in patients with liver cirrhosis demonstrated by pulsed Doppler with the octoson.  Scand J Gastroenterol. 1986;  21 1029-1038
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Qamar M I, Read A E. Effects of exercise on mesenteric blood flow in man.  Gut. 1987;  28 583-587
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Rehrer N J, Smets A, Reynaert H, Goes E, De Meirleir K. Effect of exercise on portal vein blood flow in man.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 1533-1537
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Sabba C, Ferraioli G, Genecin P, Colombato L, Buonamico P, Lerner E, Taylor K J, Groszmann R J. Evaluation of postprandial hyperemia in superior mesenteric artery and portal vein in healthy and cirrhotic humans: an operator-blind Echo-Doppler study.  Hepatology. 1991;  13 714-718
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 Shepherd A P. Intestinal 02 uptake during sympathetic stimulation and partial occlusion.  Am J Physiol. 1979;  236 731-735
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 15 Varro V, Blaho G, Csernay L, Jung L, Szarvas F. Effect of decreased local circulation on the absorptive capacity of a small-intestine loop in the dog.  Am J Digestive Dis. 1965;  10 170-177
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 16 Williams J H, Mager M, Jacobson E D. Relationship of mesenteric blood flow to intestinal absorption of carbohydrates.  J Lab Clin Med. 1964;  63 853-863
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar

Dr. N. J. Rehrer

School of Physical Education, Otago University

P.O. Box 56

Dunedin

New Zealand

Phone: + 6434799128

Fax: + 64 34 79 83 09

Email: nancy.rehrer@stonebow.otago.ac.nz