title: Effects of L-carnitine on physical performance in chronic respiratory insufficiency.
abstract: Bicycle ergometer exercise tests were used to study two groups of 10 subjects suffering from type A chronic respiratory insufficiency before and after a 4-week course of L-carnitine or placebo. Analysis of the ventilatory and metabolic response to physical exercise (60 watts) revealed an improved utilization of the bio-energetic substrates obtained with L-carnitine as compared to patients treated with placebo. The substantial change observed in ventilatory and metabolic response to exercise after L-carnitine is characterized by an appreciable production of lactate and by the stability of pCO2, pH and HCO3 values, which would appear to support the hypothesis of a reduced anaerobic metabolism requirement for energy purposes.
mesh_terms: D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000097:blood; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D002331:Carnitine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates; D007773:Lactates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002331:Carnitine; D010100:Oxygen