Exercise COE data mastersheet.xlsx

Understanding
of physiological responses of organisms is typically based on data collected
during an isolated event. Although many fundamental insights have been gained
from these studies, evaluating the response to a single event ignores the fact
that each individual has experienced a unique set of events throughout its life
that may have altered its physiology. The idea that prior experiences can
influence subsequent performance is known as a carry-over effect. Carry-over
effects may explain much of the variation in performance found among
individuals. For example, high physical activity has been shown to improve
mitochondrial respiratory function and biogenesis and reduce oxidative stress
and has been linked to improved health and longevity. In this study, we asked if
the bioenergetic differences between active and inactive individuals carry over
to impact performance in a subsequent reproductive event and alter a females'
reproductive outcome. Female mice that had access to running wheel for a month
before mating gave birth to a larger litter and weaned a heavier litter,
indicating that high physical activity had a positive carry-over effect to
reproduction. Mice that ran also displayed higher mitochondria respiration and
biogenesis with no changes in endogenous antioxidant enzymes. These results
provide a mechanistic framework for how the conditions that animals experience before
breeding can impact reproductive outcomes.