The present study investigated the effects of moderate physical training on some of the parameters in the GH-IGF axis in experimental
diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were allocated into the following groups: sedentary control, trained control, sedentary diabetic,
trained diabetic. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (32 mg/kg, b.w. iv). The physical training protocol consisted of 1 h swimming
session/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks supporting a load corresponding to 90% of maximal lactate steady state. After the experimental
period, blood was collected to measure serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, albumin, insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-I),
and growth hormone (GH). Pituitary gland was removed for GH quantification. Diabetes increased blood glucose and triglycerides
and decreased insulin, IGF-I, serum and pituitary GH. Physical training decreased glucose and triglycerides, and also counteracted
the reduction of serum IGF-I in diabetic rats. In conclusion, physical training recovered serum IGF-I showing no alteration
of serum or pituitary GH levels.
Keywords Pituitary - Physical training - Diabetes - Growth hormone and IGF