Effects of compound preparation of glutamine on mental and physical fatigue induced by experimental seasickness in rats

Objective To explore effects of compound preparation of glutamine on mental and physical fatigue in rats with experimental seasickness.Methods One hundred and twelve SD male rats were divided into seven groups randomly:normal control(N),normal saline control(S),glutamine supplemented group(G), glutamine and vitamins supplemented group(GV),glutamine,vitamins and branched chain amino acid supplemented group(GVB),glutamine,vitamins and tyrosine group(GVT),glutamine,vitamins,branched chain amino acid and tyrosine group(GVBT).Each of group was randomly divided into group A and B, consisting of 8 rats.After they had received experimental treatment for 21 days,the swimming time of group A was examined after simulated seasickness stimulation for 3 days continually.The group B was used to analyze the content of glycogen,lactate and serum urea nitrogen(SUN),as well as the ability of learning and memory. Results The compound preparation of glutamine could increase the learning and memory abilities,and the swimming time of rats remarkably:swimming time of the N,GVB and GVBT group was prolonged compared with the S group(P0.01),meanwhile the learning and memory abilities of the N and GVT group were boosted compared with the S group(P0.05).Moreover,the contents of glycogen in the liver and muscle of supplement groups were increased by from 2 to 3 times,while the concentrations of lactate in the serum and brain were decreased significantly(P0.05),as well as the concentration of serum urea nitrogen did (P0.05).Conclusions The glutamine compound preparation might improve experimental seasickness rats physical and mental performances.Its possible mechanism might be related to the increase of liver glycogen storage,the amelioration of aerobic metabolism in brain,and the improvement in muscular ability to utilize the energy.