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Influence of prolonged physical exercise on the erythropoietin concentration in blood

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Summary

Erythropoietin (EPO) and red blood cells were studied in 15 well-trained men before and several times after a marathon run. Changes in red blood cells reflected changes of plasma volume. Immediately after the run, red blood cells were increased due to haemoconcentration, whereas 31 h later the values were decreased due to haemodilution. The EPO concentration was increased 3 h, and more impressive 31 h, after the run. This long-lasting increase in EPO concentration after the marathon run would seem to be responsible for the increased red blood cell mass in long distance runners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Leistungsmedizin, Abteilung Sportphysiologie, Berlin, Forckenbeckstr. 20, W-1000, Berlin 33, Germany

    H. -J. Schwandt, B. Heyduck & L. Röcker

  2. Physiologisches Institut der Freien Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, W-1000, Berlin 33, Germany

    B. Heyduck, H. -C. Gunga & L. Röcker

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  1. H. -J. Schwandt
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  2. B. Heyduck
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  3. H. -C. Gunga
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  4. L. Röcker
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Schwandt, H.J., Heyduck, B., Gunga, H.C. et al. Influence of prolonged physical exercise on the erythropoietin concentration in blood. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 63, 463–466 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00868079

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00868079

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