Physical Conditioning and Ammonium Carbonate Affecting Blood Ammonium and Swimming Performance of Dogs

Abstract

Ammonia is produced by the working muscle of exercising mammals and cellular metabolic process of resting mammals. Normally relatively minute blood ammonium-nitrogen (BAN) levels are present because mammals have efficient systems for excreting ammonia or converting it to non-toxic end products. Impaired or inadequate detoxification process allow elevated BAN levels with excessive ammonia production. Above normal BAN levels produce deleterious effects which are well known to many research fields. When impaired or inadequate detoxification process occur in an exercising mammal, deterioration of performance is manifested in physical exhaustion and fatigue. Mobilization and enhancement of the KrebsHenseleit urea cycle by addition of cycle components have been attempted to facilitate detoxification. The purpose of this study was to investigate daily ammonium carbonate administration and physical training in relation to increased ammonia removal and lowered circulating blood ammonia levels