Effect of carnitine on the swimming endurance time in rats [Siçanlarda karnitinin yüzme egzersizi dayaniklilik süresine etkisi]

Abstract

Purpose: Carnitine plays an important role in lipid metabolism by transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. The effect of carnitine on exercise capacity is not clear. In this study, effect of carnitine on endurance time in swimming exercise was evaluated in rats. Material and Methods: Two groups were formed and a total of 20 Wistar albino male rats weighing 250-300 g were used in this study. Each rat of experiment group (n = 10) subcutaneous injection of carnitine at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day was made for 20 days, while placebo was given in control group (n = 10). Swimming tests was made in a square shaped glass water tank that was 50 centimeters in height, in width, in depth and filled to a depth of 40 centimeters with 25 ± 1°C water. The uncoordinated movements and staying under the water for 10 seconds without swimming at the surface were accepted as the exhaustion criteria of the rats. Results: In the rats of experiment group the endurance time increased significantly comparing with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This result suggests that carnitine may enhance the physical performance. Carnitine might generate that effect by induction of maximal oxygen intake and/or mitocondrial Ca++ sequestration.