No 09+10/2006 » Abstract

Observation of Serum Erythropoietin Concentrations in Female Athletes for up to Eight Days after a Marathon Run

by L. Roecker, R. Kowoll, W. Fraszl, K.Battal, L. Brechtel, S. Brachmann, R. Meier-Buttermilch, H.-C. Gunga, A. Stangl, H. Kiesewetter

Erythropoietin (EPO) was studied in 13 female marathon runners before and up to 8 days after a competition marathon run. The median baseline control value was 13.7 U/l. No change in EPO concentration was found immediately (15 min.) and one day after the run. However, a median increase in EPO concentration (18.1 U/l) was found on day three post-exercise (p< 0.05). On day 8 no change was found compared to pre-exercise values. This late increase in EPO concentration would seem to be responsible for the well known increase of red blood cell mass in long distance runners.

Clin. Lab. 2006;52(9-10):511-3.

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