Adaptation to different loads: consequences in the lipid metabolism of skeletal and heart muscle and other organs

Abstract

One of the most striking manifestations of adaptation to an increased load is muscular hypertrophy (Roux 1905, Yakovlev et al. 1962, Goldberger 1967 etc.). Its degree may, however, differ considerably in different types of work load as exemplified by representatives of different sports disciplines of a predominantly dynamic or static character. Great hypertrophy of the muscles need not always be associated with adaptation to intensive muscle work (e.g. in long distance runners, etc.). Various observations in animals and humans indicated that fat reduction participates relatively more than muscular hypertrophy in differences of body composition during a more intense regime of physical activity, in particular if it is not focused specifically along a certain line. It seems also that the response to a load differs not only according to the type of work but depends also on age and the type of muscle. In the experimental model mentioned we were able to study in greater detail the problem of hypertrophy of some skeletal muscles along with some aspects of the lipid metabolism.