T 2-mapping and BOLD to evaluate the effect of swimming rehabilitation exercise on paraspinal muscles in rats model with discogenic low back pain / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore MRI T 2-mapping and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) to evaluate the functional changes of paraspinal muscle in rats with discogenic low back pain (DLBP) after swimming. Methods:Totally 54 female 1-month-old SD rats were selected, which were divided into 3 groups by random number table method, sham operation (Sham) group, DLBP non-swimming group and DLBP swimming group, with 18 rats in each group. Under the guidance of X-ray fluoroscopy, the L4/5 and L5/6 intervertebral discs of the rats in the DLBP non-swimming group and DLBP swimming group were punctured by the posterior approach, and establishment of DLBP rat model by destroying nucleus pulposus, and only paraspinal muscles at the same level were punctured in the Sham group. After modeling, the DLBP swimming group received swimming exercise intervention for 5 consecutive days (30 min/d), while the DLBP non-swimming group and Sham group did not receive any rehabilitation exercise intervention. Each group was divided into 3 time point subgroups on average, the T 2-mapping and BOLD sequences were scanned at 30, 90 and 180 days after modeling to obtain the T 2 value, R 2* value of the paraspinal muscles, and the paraspinal muscles at the modeling level were taken for immunofluorescence staining, and the fluorescence intensity of myosin heavy chain (MYH)1 (type Ⅱ muscle fiber) and MYH7 (type I muscle fiber) was analyzed. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparison among the 3 groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for multiple comparisons, and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between quantitative MRI parameters T 2 value, R 2* value and MYH1, MYH7 immunofluorescence intensity of rat paraspinal muscles at 180 days after modeling. Results:At 30 days after modeling, there was no significant difference in T 2 value and R 2* value among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). At 90 days after modeling, the T 2 value of the DLBP swimming group was higher than that of the DLBP non-swimming group, and the T 2 value of the DLBP non-swimming group was lower than that of the Sham group (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the R 2* value among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). At 180 days after modeling, the T 2 value of the DLBP swimming group was higher than that of the DLBP non-swimming group, and the R 2* value was lower than that of the DLBP non-swimming group; the T 2 value of the DLBP non-swimming group was lower than that of the Sham group, and the R 2* value was higher than that of the Sham group (all P<0.05). At 30 and 90 days after modeling, there was no significant difference in the expressions of MYH1 and MYH7 among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). At 180 days after modeling, the expression of MYH1 decreased and the expression of MYH7 increased in the DLBP swimming group compared with the DLBP non-swimming group; the expression of MYH1 increased and the expression of MYH7 decreased in the DLBP non-swimming group compared with the Sham group (all P<0.05). At 180 days after modeling, the T 2 value had a moderate negative correlation with the fluorescence intensity of MYH1 ( r=-0.511, P=0.043), and a moderate positive correlation with the fluorescence intensity of MYH7 ( r=0.564, P=0.023); R 2* value was moderate positive correlated with the fluorescence intensity of MYH1 ( r=0.625, P=0.010), and moderate negative correlated with the fluorescence intensity of MYH7 ( r=-0.653, P=0.006). Conclusions:Swimming exercise can improve the reduction of water content and perfusion in the paraspinal muscles of DLBP rats, and reduce the transformation of muscle fibers from type Ⅰ to type Ⅱ, the changes of T 2 and R 2* value can reflect the transformation of paraspinal muscle fiber types to a certain extent.

Electroacupuncture Intervention Improved Pulmonary Function via Promoting Immunoregulation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the immunoregulatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention for muscular dystrophy chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats, so as to investigate its underlying mechanism in improving respiratory function. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal, model, EA, exercise, and EA+ exercise (n=8 in each). The muscular dystrophy COPD model was established by placing the rats in a closed box to be exposed to cigarette smoke (3-10 cigarettes/time) for 60 min, twice daily, 6 days a week for 90 days. The EA, exercise and EA+exercise interventions were given beginning from day 80 after exposure to cigarette smoke. EA (2 Hz/40 Hz, 6 mA) was applied to "Danzhong" (CV 17), "Qihai" (CV 6), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Liangmen" (ST 21) and bilateral "Quchi" (LI 11) for 10 min, once every other day, for 20 times. The swimming exercise was conducted by forcing the rat to swim in a water box for 10 min, once every other day, for 20 times. The rat's lung function including the resistance of inspiration (RI), functional residual capacity(FRC), pulmonary dynamic compliance (Cdyn), etc., was detected under anesthesia. Pathological changes of the lung tissue were detected by H.E. staining, and the contents of serum TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta assayed by ELISA. RESULTS: After 80 days' exposure to the cigarette smoke, the rats' body weight values in the model, EA, exercise and EA+exercise groups were significantly lower than that of the normal group(P0.05). The numbers of monocytes and lymphocytes of the lung tissue, and the contents of serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group (P0.05). No significant differences were found among the EA, exercise and EA+exercise groups in the levels of RI and FRC, pulmonary monocytes and serum IL-6 and IL-1 β (P>0.05). The body weight was significantly higher in the exercise and EA+exercise groups than in the EA group, and the pulmonary lymphocytes and serum TNF-α obviously lowered in the EA group than in the exercise group (P<0.05). H.E. staining showed deformation of the bronchial tube cavity, detachment and flattening of the bronchial mucosal epithelial cilia, hyperplasia of Goblet cells, infiltration of abundant inflammatory cells in the submucosal layer and muscular layer, more secretions in the bronchovascular cavity, incomplete alveolar structure, thinning and rupture of the alveolar wall, and expansion of the alveolar cavity to form large pulmonary vesicles after modeling, which was obviously milder in the 3 treatment groups. CONCLUSION: EA intervention can improve the pulmonary function and pathological changes in pulmonary muscular dystrophy COPD rats, which is associated with its effects in reducing pulmonary monocytes and lymphocytes and serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β contents, suggesting an enhancement of immunoregulation.

Effects of aerobic exercise on the food intake of obesity rats and obesity resistant rats by regulating the expression of ghrelin in stomach / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of aerobic exercise on the food intake of obesity rats and obesity resistant rats and some mechanisms Method:The four years old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into standard chow group (C) and high-fat diet group.After 10 weeks feeding,the obese group (OB group) and obesity resistant group (OR group) induced by high-fat diet were screened out.Then all the rats in OB group and OR group were respectively and randomly divided into exercise rats (OB-Sw group,OR-Sw group) and non-exercise rats (OB-Sed group,OR-Sed group).Aerobic swimming exercise for the exercise rats was defined as 60％ of individual exhaustion exercise intensity,45 minutes per day,5 times per week.Meanwhile,the body weight and food intake of the exercise and non-exercise rats were monitored every week.After 8 weeks intervention,the serum and gastric tissue of rats were obtained,and then the TG,TC,LDL-c,HDL-c in serum and the expression of ghrelin in gastric tissue were detected.Result:Ten weeks later,the body weight of the rats with high-fat diet showed a significant difference compared with the rats with standard chow group (P ＜ 0.05).The content of LDL in OB-Sed group was significantly higher than that in C group (P＜0.05).After 8 weeks aerobic exercise,for the food intake,OB-Sed group was higher than OB-Sw group and OR-Sed group was higher than OB-Sw group.The expression of ghrelin in gastric tissue in OB-Sed group and OR-Sed group was higher than that in OB-Sw group,OB-Sw group and C group.Conclusion:Exercise might reduce the food intake of obesity rats and obesity resistant rats by reducing the expression of ghrelin in stomach.

Establishment of an improved exercise-induced rat model of glycometabolism of type II diabetes / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish an improved model of exercise-induced glycometabolism in type II diabetic rats,and to provide a theoretical reference for the establishment of exercise prescription for type II diabetes.Methods Forty-five 8-week old SPF male Wistar rats were used in this study.Of which 32 were fed with high-fat diet for 7 weeks,and intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg STZ was given to establish the rat model of type II diabetes.The normal rats and successful model rats were divided into four groups:The normal control group (C group),normal exercise group (CE group),diabetic group (DM group) and diabetic exercise group (DME group).The exercise group was assigned by the Ploug training protocol,6 days/week,60 min/day,for a total of 8 weeks.After the high fat diet fed for 7 weeks,blood sample was taken from the tail vein,FBG and serum insulin were detected after baseline and 8 weeks exercise,and blood sample was collected from the tail vein to determine the FBG.Serum insulin (FINS) was detected by orbital blood sampling at the end of 8 weeks of exercise,and HOMA-IR was calculated.Results 1.After 7 weeks of high fat diet,compared with the groups C and CE,the levels of FBG,FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the DM and DME groups.2.After 8 weeks of exercise intervention,compared with the groups C and CE,FINS was significantly lower in the groups DM and DME,but the FBG and HOMA-IR were higher.Compared with the DM group,the level of FINS was significantly higher in the DME group,and the levels of FBG and HOMA-IR were significantly lower.The body weights of DM and DME groups were significantly lower than those of the groups Cand CE,the body weight had no significant difference between the DME and DM groups,and similar result was between the groups CE and C.Conclusions 1.The rat model of type II diabetes is successfully established with high fat diet for 7 weeks plus STZ injection(30 mg/mL).2.Aerobic exercise 60 min/day for a total of 8 weeks can improve the glycometabolism in type 2 diabetic rats,to be an ideal animal model for study of the mechanism of prevention and amelioration of type II diabetes.

Physical training at sub-threshold intensity reduces the prevalence of hepatic steatosis after high-fat diet in rats

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of swimming physical training with sub-threshold load on the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in Wistar rats fed high-fat diets (cafeteria or baru). After 2 months of cafeteria diet administration, the rats were separated into 6 groups: Sedentary or Trained Baru diet; Sedentary or Trained Cafeteria diet; Sedentary or Trained standard diet. The trained groups were subjected to swimming exercise at sub-threshold intensity (2% of body weight) during 8 weeks, 5x/week, 1h/day. The body weight and hepatohistological changes were analyzed. Sedentary groups fed high-fat diets presented higher body weight gain when compared to control trained group. The swimming training at the proposed intensity was able to prevent the hepatic steatosis in rats fed high-fat diets.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do treinamento físico de natação com carga sub-limiar sobre a prevalência de esteatose hepática em ratos Wistar alimentados com dietas hiperlipidícas (cafeteria ou baru). Após dois meses de dieta cafeteria, os ratos foram separados em 6 grupos: Baru treinado ou sedentário; Cafeteria treinado ou sedentário; Controle treinado ou sedentário. Os grupos treinados foram submetidos ao exercício de natação em intensidade sub-limiar, durante 8 semanas, 5x/semana, 1h/dia. As alterações de peso corporal e histopatológicas foram analisadas. Os grupos sedentários alimentados com dietas hiperlipídicas apresentaram maior ganho de peso corporal se comparados ao grupo controle treinado. O treinamento de natação na intensidade proposta diminuiu a prevalência de esteatose hepática induzida por dietas hiperlipídicas.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la natación de entrenamiento físico con la carga por debajo del umbral de la prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática en ratas alimentadas con dietas con hiperlipidemia (cafetería o baru). Después de dos meses de dieta de cafetería, las ratas se dividieron en 6 grupos: entrenados o sedentarios Baru, entrenados o Cafeteria sedentaria; Control entrenados o sedentario. Los grupos formados fueron sometidos a nadar ejercicio de intensidad por debajo del umbral durante 8 semanas, y 1 hora al día 5x/week. Se analizó el peso y la histopatología. Grupos sedentarios alimentados con una dieta alta en grasas aumentó más de peso en comparación con el grupo de control entrenado. El entrenamiento de natación disminuyó la prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática inducida por la dieta alta en grasas.

Efeito da suplementação oral com ácido linoleico conjugado associado ao treinamento físico sobre a gordura corporal de ratos / Effect of oral supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid associated with exercise on body fat of rats

Este estudo analisou o efeito da suplementação com ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) associado ao exercício na redução da gordura corporal. Foram monitorados 24 ratos Wistar suplementados por 62 dias. Os grupos CLA (utilizou ácido linoleico conjugado) e CLAEX (utilizou-se ácido linoleico conjugado e exercício); o grupo controle (PLA) recebeu óleo de milho nas concentrações de 1% sobre o consumo diário de dieta. Alimentação e água foram fornecidas ad libitum e as sobras foram pesadas para a quantificação do consumo alimentar. O grupo CLAEX foi submetido a um exercício de natação de 30 min realizado três vezes por semana. Após 62 dias, os ratos foram sacrificados e os pesos secos das gorduras da carcaça, fígado, baço e rins foram verificados. Os ratos suplementados (CLA e CLAEX) reduziram a gordura corporal se comparados ao PLA. Ainda, o exercício potencializou a redução da gordura corporal.

This study analyzed the effect of supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) associated with exercise on the reduction of body fat. Twenty-four Wistar rats supplemented during 62 days were used. Both groups (CLA and CLAEX) received CLA and the control (PLA) received corn oil, both at 1% of the daily diet. Food and water were provided ad libitum and the leftovers were weighed to quantify the food intake. The CLAEX group was subjected to swimming exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week. After 62 days, the rats were sacrificed and the fat of the carcass, liver, spleen and kidneys were measured. The supplemented rats (CLA and CLAEX) have reduced the body fat when compared to the PLA. The exercise enhanced the body fat reduction.

Anxiolytic effects of swimming exercise and ethanol in two behavioral models: beneficial effects and increased sensitivity in mice

Several behavioral mechanisms have been suggested to explain the effects of ethanol or physical exercise on anxiety. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of chronic and acute administration of ethanol on swimming exercise in mice, sequentially submitted to the elevated plus-maze and open- tests. In the first experiment, sedentary or physical exercise groups received chronic treatment with ethanol (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2 or 4 g ethanol/kg/day by oral gavage) for 14 days before the tests. In the second experiment, groups received a single dose of ethanol (ip: 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 or 1.2 g/kg), ten minutes before the start of behavioral tests. The present study found an anxiolytic-like effect after chronic ethanol treatment or swimming exercise, evidence of beneficial effects. Moreover, we conclude that exercise can increase behavioral sensitivity to ethanol in acute treatment. The experiments described here show that the effects of ethanol on the behavior displayed in the elevated plus-maze and open- are not only dose-dependent but also modified by swimming exercise. These results may provide valuable insights into possible molecular mechanisms governing these adaptations.

Vários mecanismos comportamentais foram propostos para explicar os efeitos do etanol ou do exercício sobre a ansiedade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração crônica e aguda de etanol sobre o exercício de natação em camundongos, seqüencialmente submetidos aos testes do labirinto em cruz elevado e campo aberto. No primeiro experimento, os grupos de sedentários e exercício físico receberam tratamento crônico com etanol (0,1; 0,2; 0,4; 2 e 4 g de etanol/kg/dia através de gavagem oral) durante 14 dias antes dos testes. No segundo experimento, os grupos receberam uma única dose de etanol, i.p. (0,6; 0,8; 1,0 ou 1,2 g de etanol/kg), dez minutos antes do início dos testes comportamentais. O presente estudo encontrou efeitos ansiolíticos após tratamento crônico com etanol ou exercício de natação, provas dos efeitos benéficos. Além disto, concluímos que o exercício pode aumentar a sensibilidade comportamental ao etanol no tratamento agudo. Os experimentos aqui descritos mostram que os efeitos do etanol sobre o comportamento exibido no labirinto em cruz elevado ou campo aberto não são apenas dose-dependente, mas também depende do exercício de natação. Este trabalho pode fornecer ?insights? valiosos sobre os possíveis mecanismos moleculares que regem essas adaptações.

Prophylactic effects of swimming exercise on autophagy-induced muscle atrophy in diabetic rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Diabetes decreases skeletal muscle mass and induces atrophy. However, the mechanisms by which hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency modify muscle mass are not well defined. In this study, we evaluated the effects of swimming exercise on muscle mass and intracellular protein degradation in diabetic rats, and proposed that autophagy inhibition induced by swimming exercise serves as a hypercatabolic mechanism in the skeletal muscles of diabetic rats, supporting a notion that swimming exercise could efficiently reverse the reduced skeletal muscle mass caused by diabetes. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) to induce diabetes and then submitted to 1 hr per day of forced swimming exercise, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. We conducted an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test on the animals and measured body weight, skeletal muscle mass, and protein degradation and examined the level of autophagy in the isolated extensor digitorum longus, plantaris, and soleus muscles. Body weight and muscle tissue mass were higher in the exercising diabetic rats than in control diabetic rats that remained sedentary. Compared to control rats, exercising diabetic rats had lower blood glucose levels, increased intracellular contractile protein expression, and decreased autophagic protein expression. We conclude that swimming exercise improves muscle mass in diabetes-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, suggesting the activation of autophagy in diabetes contributes to muscle atrophy through hypercatabolic metabolism and that aerobic exercise, by suppressing autophagy, may modify or reverse skeletal muscle wasting in diabetic patients.

Efficient Management Design for Swimming Exercise Treatment

Exercise-mediated physical treatment has attracted much recent interest. In particular, swimming is a representative exercise treatment method recommended for patients experiencing muscular and cardiovascular diseases. The present study sought to design a swimming-based exercise treatment management system. A survey questionnaire was completed by participants to assess the prevalence of muscular and cardiovascular diseases among adult males and females participating in swimming programs at sport centers in metropolitan regions of country. Using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique, weighted values of indices were determined, to maximize participant clarity. A patient management system model was devised using information technology. The favorable results are evidence of the validity of this approach. Additionally, the swimming-based exercise management system can be supplemented together with analyses of weighted values considering connectivity between established indices.

The Effects of Different Intensified Swimming Exercise and 17?-estradiol Injection on Serum IL-6 and IGF-1 of Ovariectomized Rats / 医学研究杂志

Objective To study the effects of different intensified swimming exercise and 17?-estradiol injection on ovariectomized(OVX)rats.Methods The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,ovariectomy group,moderate intensified exercise group,high intensified swimming exercise group.Results The moderate mtensified exercise increased the level of IGF-1 in the serum(P

Protective Effect of Exercise on Peripheral Nerve Injury Induced by Ischemia/Reperfusion in Rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of swimming exercise on the recovery after ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHOD: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested. Two groups of 20 rats were formed: 1- and 3-hours ischemia groups. Finally the groups were further divided into 2 groups that went through swimming (swimming groups) and those not (control groups). Baseline recordings of electromyographic and sciatic function index (SFI) were performed, then the femoral vessels of the rat were ligated for the complete ischemia. The reperfusion process was done according to the preset time. The methods to evaluate the functional status of nerve were the nerve conduction study (NCS), SFI and histologic study. RESULTS: On the fourth week of experiment, amplitude of compound muscle action potentials was large in swimming groups compared to the control groups (p<0.05). On the third week, amplitude was large in 1 hour swimming group compared to the control group. The muscle fiber was large in diameter in 1-hour-ischemic group at 4 week compared to the control, and the sciatic function index showed same results at the 3 hours group. CONCLUSION: The groups which swimming exercise done early after ischemia/reperfusion got better results compared with the nonswimming group (p<0.05). The exercise had beneficial effect on motor function recovery after ischemia/ reperfusion injury.

The effect of different swimming loads on change of bone metabolism in the aged male mice / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of different loads of swimming on change of bone metabolism of the aged male mice. Methods Forty Kunming strain male mice aged twelve months were randomly divided into five groups: thirty minute group, sixty minute group, sixty minute plus load group, experimental control group and sedentary control group. Eight male mice of two months old were recruited and served as the young sedentary controls. At the end of the 8 week, training period, all mice were sacrificed, the femur and thoracic vertebra were sampled for determining content of hydroxyproline, and serum testosterone, estradiol, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and calcium were tested. Results After 8 weeks of swimming training, serum testosterone and estradiol levels and the content of hydroxyproline in the femur were significantly increased ( P

Influence of regular swimming on profile of mood states in obese subjects with essential hypertension / 体力科学

There has been increasing emphasis on maintaining the patients' quality of life while on antihypertensive therapy (e. g., regular physical activity as a lifestyle modification) . However, no information is available on the effects of regular swimming exercise on mental health despite the popularity and potential benefits of this life-style modification. To determine the efficacy of swim training on mood states, 19 obese subjects with stages 1 to 2 essential hypertension were randomly assigned to either a swim training (n=12) or control group (n=7) . Subjects were assessed before and after a 10 week supervised swim exercise program with the Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. The swim training group completed an average of 94% of the scheduled exercise sessions, and were able to gradually and significantly (p<0.05) increase daily swim distance. Additionally, resting heart rate was significantly reduced (p<0.05) . Swim training resulted in significantly higher (p<0.05) vigor-activity scores. In addition, anger and fatigue scores were 34 and 28% lower after the swim training period. No significant changes were observed in any of the POMS scores in the control group. The improved mood state observed after swim training may have a clinically important influence on the quality of life in these subjects with essential hypertension.

Effects of exercise and Spirulina platensis(SPL) intake on hapten specific immune response of growing mice / 体力科学

A study was performed to investigate the effects of exercise and <I>Spirulina platensis</I> (SPL) intake on the hapten specific immune response of growing mice.<BR>Male BALB/C mice aged five weeks were divided into 6 groups : Group A was a control group given a normal diet ; group B, sedentary with a normal diet ; group C, exercise with a normal diet ; group D, control with SPL diet ; group E, sedentary with a SPL diet ; group F, exercise with a SPL diet. The mice in groups C and F were trained by swimming for about 30 min 4 times a week for 5 weeks. The SPL diet was a mixture of SPL (20%) and the normal diet (80%) . At 4 weeks after the experiment, the mice belonging to groups B, C, E and F were sensitized with 1% toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate (TDI) . Five days after sensitization, TDI was painted on the ears of the mice, and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was evaluated by measuring the ear thickness at 24 h later as an index. After this evaluation, the body weights of the mice, the weights of the thymus and spleen, and serum TDI-specific IgG antibody levels as an index of humoral immunity, were measured.<BR>In the mormal diet groups, the highest DTH reaction was shown in the exercise group, followed by the sedentary group. On the other hand, the DTH reactions in the SPL diet groups were significantly suppressed in both the sedentary and exercise groups. However, a slightly higher DTH reaction was shown in the exercise group than in the sedentary group. Body weights of mice in the exercise groups receiving both the normal and SPL diets were suppressed in comparison with the control and sedentary groups. Although increased spleen weights were shown in all the sensitized groups, thymus weights in the 6 groups were not changed. TDI-specific IgG antibody levels were also not changed in any of the TDI sensitized groups.<BR>From these results, the SPL diet seemed to effectively suppress the DTH reaction, and might be effective for treatment of various types of contact hypersensitivity which are currently the focus of clinical attention.

EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND <I>SPIRULINA PLATENSIS</I> (SPL) INTAKE ON HAPTEN SPECIFIC IMMUNE RESPONSE OF GROWING MICE / 体力科学

A study was performed to investigate the effects of exercise and <I>Spirulina platensis</I> (SPL) intake on the hapten specific immune response of growing mice.<BR>Male BALB/C mice aged five weeks were divided into 6 groups : Group A was a control group given a normal diet ; group B, sedentary with a normal diet ; group C, exercise with a normal diet ; group D, control with SPL diet ; group E, sedentary with a SPL diet ; group F, exercise with a SPL diet. The mice in groups C and F were trained by swimming for about 30 min 4 times a week for 5 weeks. The SPL diet was a mixture of SPL (20%) and the normal diet (80%) . At 4 weeks after the experiment, the mice belonging to groups B, C, E and F were sensitized with 1% toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate (TDI) . Five days after sensitization, TDI was painted on the ears of the mice, and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was evaluated by measuring the ear thickness at 24 h later as an index. After this evaluation, the body weights of the mice, the weights of the thymus and spleen, and serum TDI-specific IgG antibody levels as an index of humoral immunity, were measured.<BR>In the mormal diet groups, the highest DTH reaction was shown in the exercise group, followed by the sedentary group. On the other hand, the DTH reactions in the SPL diet groups were significantly suppressed in both the sedentary and exercise groups. However, a slightly higher DTH reaction was shown in the exercise group than in the sedentary group. Body weights of mice in the exercise groups receiving both the normal and SPL diets were suppressed in comparison with the control and sedentary groups. Although increased spleen weights were shown in all the sensitized groups, thymus weights in the 6 groups were not changed. TDI-specific IgG antibody levels were also not changed in any of the TDI sensitized groups.<BR>From these results, the SPL diet seemed to effectively suppress the DTH reaction, and might be effective for treatment of various types of contact hypersensitivity which are currently the focus of clinical attention.