Lactate Metabolism

During vigorous exercise the muscle cells do not get sufficient oxygen to support the electron transport chain releasing energy

Under these condition pyruvate is converted into lactate. This conversion involves the transfer of hydrogen ions from the NADH produced during glycolysis to pyruvate in order to produce lactate This regenerates the NAD needed to maintain ATP production through glycolysis

Lactate accumulates and muscle fatigue occurs The oxygen debt is repaid when exercise is complete. This allows respiration to provide the energy to convert lactate back to pyruvate and glucose in the liver