Effect of exercise on free fatty acid levels in the pigeon

Abstract

The effect of exercise on the free fatty acid (FFA) levels in the muscle, liver, adipose tissue, and blood in the pigeon was quantitatively studied after the electrical stimulation of the breast muscles. A reduction of FFA in the blood plasma, liver, and adipose tissue was observed after the stimulation of the muscle. On the other hand, an increase in the FFA content of the muscle was noticed. It was found that there is high rate of FFA extraction by the muscle from the blood which in turn is being supplied from the adipose tissue and liver during the activity of the muscle. From the data obtained it is concluded that the skeletal muscles of birds utilize mainly fat during sustained muscular activity. The physiological importance of FFA as substrate for muscular activity is discussed. fat utilization by muscle; fatty acid release from adipose tissue and liver; blood lipid level in exercise Submitted on September 25, 1963