A valid and reproducible protocol for testing maximal oxygen uptake in rabbits.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Exercise Science
• Animal Models in Research

Background:

• Accurate quantification of cardiovascular adaptation to exercise is crucial for physiological studies.
• Current exercise testing protocols are established in rodents but may not fully mimic human responses.
• Larger animal models are needed to better understand human-like physiological adaptations to exercise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a valid and reproducible exercise test protocol for measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in rabbits.
• To assess the suitability of rabbits as a model for studying cardiovascular adaptation to exercise.
• To provide a foundation for future research into cellular cardiac adaptations to training.

Main Methods:

• A VO2max protocol was developed and tested on six adult female New Zealand White rabbits.
• Rabbits ran on a treadmill with inclinations ranging from 0 to 20 degrees.
• Measurements included oxygen uptake, heart rate, and running speed at VO2max.

Main Results:

• Rabbits reached VO2max at all tested inclinations, indicating exhaustion was independent of incline.
• Average VO2max was consistent between test and retest (35.1±4.2 and 35.8±4.0 ml/kg/min).
• Oxygen uptake and heart rate increased linearly with running speed; oxygen pulse plateaued at VO2max.

Conclusions:

• Rabbits are a suitable animal model for studying exercise responses and cardiovascular adaptation.
• This protocol is valuable for investigating novel cellular cardiac adaptations to training.
• The established VO2max testing method in rabbits supports research mimicking human physiological adaptations.