The effect of allopurinol on protein carbonyls and swimming performance in rats

Abstract

Allopurinol is an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase is a major contributor of free radicals during exercise. Previous studies have shown that free radicals are vital for physiological adaptations in exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of allopurinol, exercise and their combination on protein carbonyls (PC), as a marker of protein oxidative, after exhaustive swimming, denoting aerobic performance, in rats. Blood and gastrocnemius muscle samples were collected before and immediately after exercise and the respective time points after allopurinol administration. Protein carbonyls were determined in plasma, erythrocytes and muscle. Compared to their non-allopurinol treated counterparts, rats treated with allopurinol showed a 38.1% decrease in swimming performance, as indicated by the shorter swimming time to exhaustion. Exercise alone increased PC concentration in plasma, erythrocytes and gastrocnemius muscle. Similarly, allopurinol alone increased PC concentration in erythrocytes and gastrocnemius muscle. Our data illustrate that exercise and allopurinol alone induced protein oxidation. Xanthine oxidase inhibition provoked a significant reduction in physical performance. These findings may challenge the antioxidant effects of allopurinol. ©PHARMAKON-Press.