Differences in exercise capacity and physiological responses in Wistar rats among breeders
Kanako Takahashi1,2, Takeru Shima1,3, Mariko Soya1,4
1Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan.
Experimental Animals
|June 28, 2021
Summary
Animal model reproducibility is crucial. Wistar rat stocks show significant differences in exercise capacity and physiological responses, impacting human extrapolation validity.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Comparative Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- Reproducibility in animal experiments is vital for human extrapolation.
- Genetic variations among different stocks of the same animal species can affect physiological responses.
- Standardized animal models are needed to ensure consistent experimental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate exercise capacity differences among Wistar rat stocks.
- To analyze exercise-induced metabolic and endocrine responses in different Wistar rat stocks.
- To determine if Wistar rat stocks exhibit human-like physiological responses to exercise.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an incremental treadmill running test (IRT) in Wistar rats from four different breeders.
- Measured exercise capacity, blood lactate, glucose, and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels.
- Employed catheterization of external jugular veins for physiological monitoring.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in exercise capacity were observed among Wistar rat stocks.
- Dynamics of blood lactate, glucose, and adrenocorticotropic hormone differed across stocks during IRT.
- Only one Wistar rat stock demonstrated human-type physiological responses to exercise.
Conclusions:
- Wistar rat stock significantly influences exercise capacity and physiological responses to exercise.
- The choice of Wistar rat stock can affect the validity of exercise effect studies.
- Careful stock selection is essential for reliable animal research aiming for human relevance.
