Chuan-Xiang XU, Hong-Tao LIU, Jing WANG

Institute of Healthy and Environmental Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300050, China

Abstract

Objective
To investigate changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its synthesis rate-limiting enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the ventral horn of spinal cord after exercise-induced fatigue, and to further discuss the mechanism of exercise-induced central fatigue at spinal level.
Methods
Sixteen healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: exercise-induced fatigue group and control group. Immunohistochemical staining for 5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn were performed and analysized quantitatively. The mean optic densities of 5-HT and TPH positive fibers or terminals were measured by computerized image analyzer.
Results
Both 5-HT and TPH positive fibers/terminals decreased in the exercise-induced fatigue group. The immunohistochemical staining was weaker and the mean optic densities decreased obviously in the fatigue group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn of spinal cord might be involved in exercise-induced fatigue.

Keywords

ventral horn; spinal cord; 5-hydroxytryptamine; tryptophan hydroxylase; exercise-induced fatigue; immunohistochemistry

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