Effect of prolonged physical exercise on intra-erythrocyte and plasma potassium

Applied Physiology European J0uma, of

Eur J Appl Physiol (1989) 59:296-302

and Occu~tional Physiology © Springer-Veflag 1989

Effect of prolonged physical exercise on intra-erythrocyte and plasma potassium P. Lijnen 1, P. Hespel 1, R. Fagard 1, M. Goris 2, R. Lysens 2, E. Vanden Eynde 2 t, and A. Amery 1 Hypertension and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and 2 Institute of Physical Education, University of Leuven (K.U.L), Belgium

Summary. The intracellular concentrations of s o dium [Na +] and potassium [K +] and the water content in human erythrocytes were investigated in 21 male runners before and after a marathon. From 2 to 5 min after the race, the intra-erythrocyte [K ÷] was significantly decreased (p