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Int J Sports Med 1988; 09(2): 108-113
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024989
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Indicators of Cell Breakdown in Plasma of Men During and After a Marathon Race

P. Lijnen1 , P. Hespel1 , R. Fagard1 , R. Lysens2 , E. Vanden Eynde2 , M. Goris2 , W. Goossens3 , W. Lissens4 , A. Amery1
  • 1Hypertension and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Belgium
  • 2Institute of Physical Education, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Belgium
  • 3Laboratory of Hematology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Belgium
  • 4Central Clinical Laboratory, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Belgium
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Plasma indicators of muscle cell leakage and of hemolysis were studied in 23 runners before and after a marathon race. Blood samples were drawn from an antecubital vein the morning before the race (baseline), at 3 p.m., i.e., 2 h before the start, on arrival, 12 and 36 h, and 7 days later.

Compared with the baseline values, the plasma creatinine phosphokinase MM and MB subtractions, aldolase and glutamicoxa-loacetic transaminase activity were increased immediately after the race, rose further 12 h after the marathon, and remained elevated 36 h and 7 days later. The plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity and myoglobin concentration were increased on arrival and returned to the pre-race activity 7 days after the marathon. Compared with the pre-race values, the plasma haptoglobin concentration was decreased immediately and 12 h after the marathon.

Our data show that indicators of muscle cell leakage and of hemolysis in plasma, withdrawn after a marathon race, remained elevated for up to 7 days after the race

Key words

marathon - muscle cell breakdown - enzymes - hemolysis - leukocytosis