Journal of Applied Physiology Track the topics, authors and articles important to you
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     


J Appl Physiol (February 2, 2006). doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00806.2005
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF) Free
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
100/6/2031    most recent
00806.2005v1
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Hsu, A. R.
Right arrow Articles by Friedlander, A. L.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Hsu, A. R.
Right arrow Articles by Friedlander, A. L.
Submitted on July 8, 2005
Accepted on January 30, 2006

Sildenafil improves cardiac output and exercise performance during acute hypoxia, but not normoxia

Andrew R. Hsu1, Kimberly E. Barnholt1, Nicolas K. Grundmann1, Joseph H. Lin2, Stewart W. McCallum3, and Anne L. Friedlander4*

1 Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Clinical Studies Unit, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
2 Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
3 Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
4 Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Clinical Studies Unit, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: friedlan{at}stanford.edu.

Sildenafil causes pulmonary vasodilation, thus potentially reducing impairments of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension on exercise performance at altitude. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of sildenafil during normoxic and hypoxic exercise. We hypothesized that 1) sildenafil would have no significant effects on normoxic exercise, and 2) sildenafil would improve cardiac output (Q), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and performance during hypoxic exercise. Ten trained males performed 1 practice and 3 experimental trials at sea level (SL) and simulated high altitude (HA) of 3,874 m. Each cycling test consisted of a set work rate portion (55% Wattspeak: 1 h SL, 30 min HA) followed immediately by a time-trial (10 km SL, 6 km HA). Double-blinded capsules (placebo, 50, or 100 mg) were taken 1 h prior to exercise in a randomly, counterbalanced order. For HA, subjects also began breathing hypoxic gas (12.8% O2) 1 h prior to exercise. At SL, sildenafil had no effects on any cardiovascular or performance measures. At HA, sildenafil increased stroke volume (measured by impedance cardiography), Q, and SaO2 during set work rate exercise. Sildenafil lowered 6 km time-trial time by 15% (P < 0.05). Sao2 was also higher during the time trial (P < 0.05) in response to sildenafil, despite higher work rates. Post-hoc analyses revealed two subject groups, sildenafil responders and non-responders, who improved time-trial performance by 39% (P < 0.05) and 1.0%, respectively. No dose-response effects were observed. During cycling exercise in acute hypoxia, sildenafil can greatly improve cardiovascular function, SaO2, and performance for certain individuals.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Exp. Biol. Med.Home page
A. Caretti, P. Bianciardi, R. Ronchi, M. Fantacci, M. Guazzi, and M. Samaja
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition Abolishes Neuron Apoptosis Induced by Chronic Hypoxia Independently of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1{alpha} Signaling
Experimental Biology and Medicine, October 1, 2008; 233(10): 1222 - 1230.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
L. Di Luigi, C. Baldari, P. Sgro, G. P. Emerenziani, M. C. Gallotta, S. Bianchini, F. Romanelli, F. Pigozzi, A. Lenzi, and L. Guidetti
The Type 5 Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Tadalafil Influences Salivary Cortisol, Testosterone, and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Responses to Maximal Exercise in Healthy Men
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 2008; 93(9): 3510 - 3514.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Respir JHome page
M. R. Wilkins, J. Wharton, F. Grimminger, and H. A. Ghofrani
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Eur. Respir. J., July 1, 2008; 32(1): 198 - 209.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
S. M. Marcora, A. Bosio, and H. M. de Morree
Locomotor muscle fatigue increases cardiorespiratory responses and reduces performance during intense cycling exercise independently from metabolic stress
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, March 1, 2008; 294(3): R874 - R883.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Br. J. Sports. Med.Home page
L Guidetti, G P Emerenziani, M C Gallotta, F Pigozzi, L Di Luigi, and C Baldari
Effect of tadalafil on anaerobic performance indices in healthy athletes
Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2008; 42(2): 130 - 133.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Br. J. Sports. Med.Home page
P McCrory
The drug wars
Br. J. Sports Med., January 1, 2007; 41(1): 1 - 1.
[Full Text] [PDF]




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH
Visit Other APS Journals Online
Copyright © 1948 by the American Physiological Society.