Effects of long-term forced exercise training on body mass, energy metabolism and serum leptin levels in Apodemus chevrieri (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae)

Abstract

Mammals, including rodents, are able to maintain a stable body mass, which is a result of balance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Exercise training can increase energy expenditure and is considered one of the most important factors affecting energy balance in mammals. In order to understand the effect of exercise on body mass regulation and energy metabolism, changes of body mass, metabolic rate, energy intake, serum leptin levels and body composition were measured in Apodemus chevrieri during an 8-week forced exercise training with a treadmill. The results showed that exercise training had no significant effects on body mass, but the metabolic rate and energy intake were increased during the 8-week exercise training. Body fat mass and serum leptin levels decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group. There was a positive relationship between serum leptin levels and body fat mass in the control group, but no relationship in the exercise group. Mass of liver and digestive tracts increased significantly, while wet carcass mass and water of carcass decreased significantly in the exercise group compared to the control group. The results indicated that A. chevrieri mobilized body fat mass, and increased the metabolic rate and energy intake to regulate the body mass and energy balance during long-term forced exercise training. Serum leptin levels would be potentially involved in the body mass regulation and thermogenesis during the long-term forced exercise training. © 2013 Copyright 2013 Unione Zoologica Italiana.