In addition to testosterone and growth hormone, which substances may have acute anabolic responses after anaerobic training?

In addition to testosterone and growth hormone, which substances may have acute anabolic responses after anaerobic training?

• A. IGF-I, possibly insulin and catecholamines
• B. Testosterone
• C. Growth hormone
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (A)

After anaerobic, high-intensity work, the body can create an acute anabolic environment beyond testosterone and growth hormone, with IGF-I playing a central role. IGF-I supports muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell activity, acting directly on muscle tissue and also mediating many of GH’s anabolic effects. Insulin can contribute as well, especially when nutrients are present after exercise; it enhances amino acid uptake and stimulates protein synthesis, helping to build or rebuild muscle in the short term. Catecholamines may participate too, by moderating metabolism and substrate availability in a way that can support an anabolic milieu under certain conditions, though their anabolic impact is less direct than IGF-I or insulin. Cortisol, by contrast, tends toward catabolic effects, promoting protein breakdown, so it’s not associated with acute anabolic responses after this type of exercise.

After anaerobic, high-intensity work, the body can create an acute anabolic environment beyond testosterone and growth hormone, with IGF-I playing a central role. IGF-I supports muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell activity, acting directly on muscle tissue and also mediating many of GH’s anabolic effects. Insulin can contribute as well, especially when nutrients are present after exercise; it enhances amino acid uptake and stimulates protein synthesis, helping to build or rebuild muscle in the short term. Catecholamines may participate too, by moderating metabolism and substrate availability in a way that can support an anabolic milieu under certain conditions, though their anabolic impact is less direct than IGF-I or insulin.

Cortisol, by contrast, tends toward catabolic effects, promoting protein breakdown, so it’s not associated with acute anabolic responses after this type of exercise.