Influence of acute high-intensity exercise on salivary nitric oxide levels

This study, employing an exercise versus control crossover design, was conducted to investigate the influence of acute high-intensity exercise on salivary nitric oxide (NO) levels. Nine healthy males (aged 23.8 ± 1.4 years) performed ergometer exercise at 80%VO2peak for 60 min, whereas controls sat at rest for 60 min. Saliva samples were collected before (Pre: 0800 h) and after (Post 0-h: 0900 h, Post 1-h: 1000 h, Post 2-h: 1100 h, Post 3-h: 1200 h) the interventions. Salivary NO levels were determined by colorimetric assay. It was found that the salivary NO levels in controls were decreased (P < 0.05) at Post 0-h (−94 ± 15), Post 1-h (−80 ± 20), Post 2-h (−92 ± 34) and Post 3-h (−145 ± 39) relative to the Pre values. Under exercise conditions, salivary NO levels did not change after high-intensity ergometer exercise relative to the Pre values. Thus, the response of salivary NO levels appeared to differ between high-intensity ergometer exercise and inactivity, that exercise-related stress induces the production of salivary NO.