This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Brief Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of muscle blood flow on the rate at which the building blocks of muscle protein (i.e. amino acids) are used by the muscle tissue to produce more muscle. This will help us better understand how changes in blood flow caused by aging will affect how muscle responds to nutrition. Hypothesis: To determine whether or not amino acid supplementation will improve blood flow to the muscle in both young and elderly subjects with or without aerobic exercise.
Specific Aims and Procedures:
Our aim i s to find ways of preventing age-related muscle loss by comparing and measuring blood flow within the muscle tissue of healthy young and elderly volunteers. Blood flow will be measured using various techniques: 1) with the use of a medicine, called Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP), that dilates the vessels in your thigh, 2) with the use of the ICG (indocyanine green) technique, 3) with the use of micro bubbles and the ultrasound technique, 4) with the use of strain gauge plethysmography. Experimental Design: Each subject will participate in two 9-hour infusion studies. The studies will take place one month apart. Each subject will be randomly assigned to participate in either Experiment #1, 2 or 3. Significance: The results from these studies could provide a wealth of information related to the progressive loss of muscle mass and function that accompanies advancing age. Further, the data may suggest strategies to combat and prevent age-related changes.
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