PDH activation by dichloroacetate reduces TCA cycle intermediates at rest but not during exercise in humans

The effect of dichloroacetate (DCA) infusion on the concentrations of muscle tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates (TCAI) at rest and during dynamic knee extensor exercise in humans has been studied. Six subjects did moderate leg kicking exercises for 15 min. that was immediately followed by intense exercixe until exhaustion after being given saline or DCA infusions. Results indicate that DCA diminished TCAI pool size at rest by increasing the flux through the pyruvate dehydrogenase and diverting pyruvate away from anaplerotic pathways.