Hematological changes during muscular activity and recovery

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Hematological changes were studied in men and women during exercise and recovery under three environmental conditions. An erythrocytosis due to hemoconcentration was observed which was not followed by hemodilution and was not accompanied by the destruction or generation of red cells. Hemoconcentration was influenced by exercise, but not by thermal stress, in spite of greater water losses in warm environments. Sex differences at rest were found for red and white cells, but the pattern of the reactions to exercise was similar for both sexes. Leucocytosis resulted from exercise and heat exposure, with a greater effect of exercise in the females. This is due to increased capillary circulation, hemoconcentration and lymphatic pressure, but not to the stimulation of leucopoietic centers. Changes in the systemic circulation followed by an increase of lymph flow explain the lymphocytosis. Granulocytosis occurs later, persists longer, and may be related to the concentration of circulating corticosteroid hormones. Submitted on August 24, 1959