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The effects of exercise during pregnancy upon maternal adipocyte characteristics and fetal growth in Wistar rats

This study examined the effects of maintaining exercise training throughout pregnancy upon metabolic and physical properties of parametrial fat cells and fetal growth in Wistar rats. Eight weeks prior to mating the animals (n=10) were trained to run for 2 hrs/day, 5 days/wk at 31 m/min up an 8 0 incline. Control animals (n=6) remained sedentary. All animals were mated and trained animals resumed running on the second day of gestation. There was no variation in body weight (p > 0.05) between the trained (T) and sedentary control (S) rats at mating but S weight was significantly greater (p < 0.05) at Day 19. The T mothers had significantly smaller fat cells (p < 0.05) than S but cell number did not differ (p > 0.05). The rate of glucose oxidation (1C-1) by cells from T animals was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the S in the presence of insulin, but much lower than oxidation rates of non-pregnant trained animals. In terms of the fetus, training reduced litter size (p < 0.05) and increased the incidence of fetal resorption. The results of this study indicate that the training adaptation of the adipocytes is largely lost during pregnancy but insulin responsiveness is maintained at a higher level than sedentary controls. This coupled with the apparent adverse effects of the training on the fetus suggests that exercise during pregnancy should be more closely investigated.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182753
Date03 June 2011
CreatorsTreadway, Judith L.
ContributorsCraig, Bruce W.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formatv, 61 leaves ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

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