Protection effect of endurance training against reoxygenation-induced injuries in rat heart

Endurance training by swimming (219-229 h) resulted in a significant protection against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injuries in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. The protection was manifested as improved flow characteristics and a smaller release of creatine kinase into the perfusate. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was lower in the trained than in the respective control hearts. The trained hearts also showed a lower reoxygenation-induced increase in TBARS. The myocardium of the right ventricle and that of the left subepimyocardium were the most affected by reoxygenation. The swimming program induced a decrease in the activities of catalase and glutath…