The effects of high-intensity interval training on the renin-angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe any effect of high-intensity interval training on the blood pressure and renal function of Wistar-Kyoto rats modeling spontaneous hypertension (SHR) and to explore the mechanism of the renal renin-angiotensin system′s (RAS′s) role in this process.Methods:Twenty male SHR were randomly divided into a sedentary group and an exercise group, each of 10. Another 10 Wistar-Kyoto rats formed a normotensive control group. The rats in the normotensive and hypertensive sedentary groups were fed quietly in their cage, while the hypertensive exercise group performed high-intensity interval training for 8 weeks. After the last exercise, blood pressure, renal function, the kidney levels of nitric oxide and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the protein expressions of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), AT2R and Mas receptor (MasR) were measured.Results:Compared with the normotensive group, the hypertensive sedentary group showed a significant increase in average blood pressure, IL-6, ACE and AT1R protein and the ratio of AT1R to AT2R. There was a significant decrease in the renal function, the average NO level and the expression of ACE2, AT2R and MasR protein. That group also showed a significant decrease in blood pressure, IL-6, ACE and AT1R protein expression and the AT1R AT2R ratio compared with the hypertensive sedentary group, but a significant increase in renal function, average NO content and the expression of ACE2, AT2R and MasR protein.Conclusion:Eight weeks of high-intensity interval training has a protective effect on the kidneys by regulating the renin-angiotensin system, at least in rats.