Adaptations in capillarization and citrate synthase activity in response to endurance training in older and young men

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Sep;66(9):957-64. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glr096. Epub 2011 Jun 29.

Abstract

The time-course of adaptation in cardiorespiratory fitness, measures of capillarization, and citrate synthase (CS) activity were examined in seven older (O; 69 ± 7 years) and seven young (Y; 22 ± 1 years) men pre-, mid-, and posttraining during a 12-week endurance training program. Training was performed on a cycle ergometer three times per week for 45 minutes at ~70% of maximal VO(2) (VO(2max)). VO(2max) and maximal cardiac output increased similarly from pre- to posttraining in O and Y (p < .05), and maximal a-vO(2diff) was greater (p < .05) posttraining in O and Y. CS was elevated at mid- and posttraining compared with pretraining in both O and Y (p < .05). Indices of capillarization increased 30%-40% in O and 20%-30% in Y and were elevated at posttraining compared with pre- and midtraining in both groups (p < .05). This study showed that both O and Y undertaking similar endurance training displayed capillary angiogenesis and improved mitochondrial respiratory capacity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Capillaries / physiology*
  • Citrate (si)-Synthase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Endurance*

Substances

  • Citrate (si)-Synthase