Metabolic effects of exercise. I. Effect of exercise on serum lipids and lipogenesis in rats

To evaluate the metabolic effects of exercise, three groups of exercised male rats were compared to their sedentary controls at the end of 10 wk of voluntary exercise in rodent activity cages. Exercises rats consumed more food than sedentary rats but had greater weight gain only at the higher levels of activity. Exercised rats had significanlty lower serum triglycerides and higher values of adipose tissue alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity. At higher levels of physical activity, the exercised rats enhibited larger adrenal glands and lower values of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. It is concluded that specific levels of voluntary exercise are needed to achieve specific metabolic effects.