The effect of exercise on atherosclerosis in the coronary artery and abdominal aorta of mature female swine
Gass, G.C.; Romack, F.E.; Lohman, T.G.
European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology 42(4): 235-246
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-5548 PMID: 535595 Document Number: 142641
The effects of chronic exercise on atherosclerosis in the aorta and coronary artery were investigated in mature female swine. Preceding and during the exercise training period the animals were fed high fat, (soybean or corn oil) cholesterol-free diets. Swine (16) were paired according to breed, body weight and diet. Swine (8) were a non-exercise group while the remaining 8 were an experimental group and exercised 4 days/wk for 4 mo. The exercise training program initially consisted of running at 5.6 km/h, zero gradient for 15 min with increments of 1 min of running time every 2 wk. The amount of atherosclerosis in the coronary artery and abdominal aorta was determined directly. Plasma lipids, body weight, body K and percent fat were recorded at 3 intervals during the training program. Four months of exercise had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol phospholipids, total lipids or triglycerides but there was a significant effect of test periods on cholesterol. Diet had no influence on plasma lipids. The exercise group did not have larger heart weights, ratio of heart weight to body weight or ratio of heart weight to fat-free body weight. The percent lipid in the lesion area and the lesion surface area of the abdominal aorta was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The amount of lipid obtained from the intima-media of the coronary artery and the lesion area involvement was not significantly different between the exercise group and the non-exercise group. Apparently four mo. of exercise had no effect on plasma lipids, body K, body weight or coronary and aortic atherosclerosis.