Abstract
Summary
Metabolic responses to exercise were determined in adrenalectomized and sham-operated rats. Exercised animals were forced to run 1/4 mile in 30 min each day for 8 wk. All animals were fed ad libitum at 48% protein, 28% fat, 15.5% carbohydrate diet. Extra (0.9%) NaCl was added to the diet given to the adrenalectomized rats. Under these experimental conditions, exercise reduced body weights gains to a similar degree in both the adrenalectomized and sham-operated animals and similarly lowered liver fat, liver cholesterol and serum insulin. No differences in food intake, body weight gain, blood glucose, serum insulin, carcass protein, or serum triglycerides were observed with the removal of the adrenals. Adrenalectomy did, however, affect the percentage carcass fat and the level of cholesterol in the livers of the sedentary animals. From this data it was suggested that two separate mechanisms exist for the mobilization of carcass fat: one activated by exercise and the other by the adrenal hormones.
The authors express their appreciation to Mrs. Ensook Koh for her technical assistance and to Dr. Richard Ahrens, College of Home Economics, University of Maryland for the use of the treadmill.
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