This study evaluated whether resistance training (RT) could prevent glucocorticoid-induced vascular changes. Wistar rats were divided into groups: control (CO), dexamethasone (DEX), and Dexamethasone+RT (DEX+RT). On the eighth week, dexamethasone was administered in the DEX and DEX+RT groups. Thereafter, the animals were sacrifi ced and blood samples were used to assess the lipid profi le, glucose and insulin. Vascular reactivity to insulin and phenylephrine (Phe) were evaluated. The DEX+RT group presented an improvement in the lipid profi le, fasting glucose, and insulin levels compared to the DEX group. In addition, vasodilation was reduced in the DEX group compared to the CO group, and was increased in the DEX+RT group. After inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, DEX group showed contraction, in which it was in the DEX + RT group. When nitric oxide synthase (NOS) participation was evaluated, the DEX group presented a contraction compared to the CO group, with no contractile effect in the DEX+RT group. Moreover, vasoconstriction caused by NOS inhibition was abolished by BQ123 (endothelin receptor antagonist). In respect Phe response, there was an increase in tension in the DEX group compared to the CO group, being reduced in the DEX+RT group. The results suggest that RT prevented damage to vascular reactivity.

This study evaluated the ability of resistance training (RT) of moderate intensity to promote vascular changes in insulin-induced vasodilation in healthy animals. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (CON) and trained (eight weeks of training, performing 3 sets with 10 repetitions at 60% of maximum intensity). Forty-eight hours after the last session of the RT, the animals were sacrifi ced and vascular reactivity to insulin in the absence and presence of LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors (PI3K), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors) and BQ123 (endothelin A antagonist (ET-A) receptor). In addition, phenylephrine (Phe)-induced vasoconstriction in the absence and presence of L-NAME was also evaluated. The RT group showed greater vasodilation in maximal response compared to the CON group. After PI3K inhibition, vasodilation was reduced in both groups. However, when the NOS participation was evaluated, the RT group showed contraction in relation to the CON group, which was abolished by BQ123.In addition, the RT group had an increase in nitrite levels compared to the CON group.When the Phe response was evaluated, there was a reduction in tension in the RT group compared to the CON group. The results suggest that RT improves vascular reactivity.