title: Immature tendon adaptation to strenuous exercise.
abstract: White Leghorn roosters (3 wk old) were randomly assigned to runner or control groups. Runners were subjected to a progressive treadmill running program for 8 wk, 5 days/wk at 70-80% maximal O2 consumption (VO2 max). After 8 wk, runners showed a significant elevation in gastrocnemius fumarase activity (51%) and a 21% increase in VO2max compared with controls. The exercise program induced a significant increase in tendon collagen deposition (46%) without any changes in DNA, proteoglycan, and collagen concentrations or tendon dry weight. Also, tendon collagen from runners contained fewer (50%) pyridinoline cross-links. These results suggest that high-intensity exercise causes greater matrix-collagen turnover in growing chickens, resulting in reduced maturation of tendon collagen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1568.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Curwin
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Vailas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism; D013710:Tendons / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011509:Proteoglycans; D003094:Collagen