Guidelines for animal exercise and training protocols for cardiovascular studies

Abstract

Whole body exercise tolerance is the consummate example of integrative physiological function among the metabolic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Depending on the animal selected, the energetic demands and flux through the oxygen transport system can increase two orders of magnitude from rest to maximal exercise. Thus, animal models in health and disease present the scientist with flexible, powerful, and, in some instances, purpose-built tools to explore the mechanistic bases for physiological function and help unveil the causes for pathological or age-related exercise intolerance. Elegant experimental designs and analyses of kinetic parameters and steady-state responses permit acute and chronic exercise paradigms to identify therapeutic targets for drug development in disease and also present the opportunity to test the efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral countermeasures during aging, for example. However, for this promise to be fully realized, the correct or optimal animal model must be selected in conjunction with reproducible tests of physiological function (e.g., exercise capacity and maximal oxygen uptake) that can be compared equitably across laboratories, clinics, and other proving grounds. Rigorously controlled animal exercise and training studies constitute the foundation of translational research. This review presents the most commonly selected animal models with guidelines for their use and obtaining reproducible results and, crucially, translates state-of-the-art techniques and procedures developed on humans to those animal models. Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at: https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/guidelines-for-animal-exercise-and-training-protocols/ .

Effects of different intensities of continuous training on vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

“…The experiment complied with the regulations of the People's Republic of China's ‘Regulations on the Management of Laboratory Animals (2017 Revision)’ and the requirements of the Guidelines for Animal Exercise and Training Protocols for Cardiovascular Studies. Eight‐week‐old male SHR were divided into four groups ( n = 12): sedentary (SHR‐S); low‐intensity continuous training (LICT) (SHR‐L), with a running speed of 14 m/min and approximately 35% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max); medium‐intensity continuous training (MICT) (SHR‐M), with a speed of 20 m/min and approximately 50% VO 2 max; and high‐intensity continuous training (HICT) (SHR‐H), with a speed of 26 m/min and approximately 65% VO 2 max 29 . Age‐matched male Wistar‐Kyoto rats were regarded as a sedentary control (WKY‐S).…”

Vascular ATP‐sensitive K+ channels support maximal aerobic capacity and critical speed via convective and diffusive O2 transport

“…2019 a , Poole et al . 2020). Importantly, these brief duration acclimation runs do not elicit training adaptations (Dudley et al .…”

“…In the initial 14-21 days, while menstrual cycles were monitored, acclimation to running was conducted on a custom-built treadmill for ß5 min day −1 at ß25 m min −1 up a 5% incline. During the final acclimation days the treadmill speed was increased progressively in the last 2-3 min up to 50-60 m min −1 to familiarize the rats with high-speed running (Copp et al 2010;Craig et al 2019a, Poole et al 2020. Importantly, these brief duration acclimation runs do not elicit training adaptations (Dudley et al 1982;Armstrong & Laughlin, 1984;Musch et al 1992).…”

Impact of paternal exercise on physiological systems in the offspring

“…The major advantage of swimming exercise is that it requires less expensive and more rudimentary equipment than treadmill training and avoids foot injuries in the animals. 72 However, the investigator must carefully select the container, water depth and temperature at which the animals swim. Researchers should be attentive to non-uniform swimming patterns.…”