Introduction. Reduced glutathione GSH in erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in serum were determined. They served as indicators of peroxidative-antioxidative changes induced by maximal physical exercise in red blood cells and skeletal muscles of female athletes. Material and methods. The study included 25 rowers (15 juniors and 10 seniors) from various sport clubs in Poznan. The athletes were subjected to laboratory exercise on rowing ergometer (Concept II, USA). Blood was withdrawn from the ulnar vein and fingertips in the morning, after overnight fasting, before and immediately after the exercise. Acid-base equilibrium indices and lactic acid levels were measured in capillary blood. Glutathione concentrations were determined in hemolysed red blood cells by the method of Beutler, and TBARS in serum - by the method of Buege and Aust. Results. In junior athletes, maximal exercise significantly affected acid-base balance (p < 0,001), increased blood lactate levels (p <0,001) together with serum TBARS levels (p < 0,001), and decreased GSH concentrations in erythrocytes. The acid-base balance was affected to a lesser degree in senior athletes which was associated with a lower increase of serum TBARS. No significant decrease in concentrations of red blood cell GSH was noted in the senior group. Discusion and conclusions. The results suggest that the athletic experience influenced the degree of oxidative stress provoked in red blood cells and skeletal muscles by maximal physical exercise.
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