Temporal relationship between blood flow changes and release of ions and metabolites from muscles upon single weak contractions

Abstract

The temporal changes in muscular blood flow and in the release of ions and metabolites have been studied during and after short-lasting isometric contractions. Blood velocities in the human femoral artery were measured using pulsed bidirectional Doppler ultrasound equipment during single contractions of the quadriceps muscle group. Contractions of 5 s and 30 s duration and at a tension of 10% MVC (maximal voluntary contraction) were investigated. Even the contractions of 5 s duration caused conspicuous post-contraction increases in femoral arterial flow. The following substances were analysed in the femoral vein during and following the contractions: potassium, lactate, inorganic phosphate, calcium, sodium, oxygen and haemoglobin. Following contractions of 5 s duration, an increase in the venous potassium concentration (by 0.9 mM) was found, but there was no change in concentration of any of the other substances analysed. Following contractions of 30 s duration a more marked increase in the venous potassium concentration (by 1.5 mM) was found, and in addition substantial changes in venous lactate concentration and oxygen saturation. There were small but statistically significant changes in the concentrations of inorganic phosphate and calcium, but no change in the sodium concentration. The time-course and magnitude of the changes in venous potassium concentration fit well with the idea that potassium is important in the initiation and regulation of the functional hyperaemia in contracting muscles.