Changes in erythrocyte 2,3 diphosphoglycerate in women following short term maximal exercise

15 untrained women were subjected to a walking treadmill test to determine the influence of maximal exercise upon synthesis of erythrocyte 2,3 DPG. Although there was a 9.8% increase in the 2,3 DPG content following exercise, there was a concomitant 9.4% increase in the hemoglobin level; therefore, when 2,3 DPG is expressed as a ratio to hemoglobin \(\frac{{(DPG\mu M/ml)}}{{(Hb gm/\% )}}\) there was no significant change as a result of exercise stress. It was suggested that three additive factors produced during strenuous exercise: decreased pH; increased hemoglobin concentration; and increased CO₂ production result in by-product inhibition of 2,3 DPG synthesis. It is concluded that 2,3 DPG does not provide a physiologic benefit in the adaptation of the oxygen transport system to exercise.