Inhibitory effect of exercise on elevated blood pressure and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

Background:
Despite the effectiveness of exercise in preventing gestational hypertension, its mechanism remains unknown. Patients with gestational hypertension exhibit a centrally dysregulated autonomic nervous system. This study explores the effects of exercise on Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats, which develop hypertension during pregnancy. Changes in gene expression within the circulatory center and placenta are investigated to clarify the mechanism underlying exercise.
Method:
DSS rats were divided into two groups: non-exercise or exercise, and Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a control. Exercise involved voluntary running using a rotating cage, starting from 4 weeks prior to pregnancy until the last trimester. Cardiovascular parameters, molecular characteristics of brain cardiovascular centers and placenta, and fetal conditions were evaluated.