Abstract 270: Exercise During Pregnancy Restores Angiogenic Balance But Does Not Lower Blood Pressure in Rupp Hypertensive Rats

Although clinical studies suggest women continuing to exercise during pregnancy have a decreased incidence of preeclampsia, little is known regarding the effects of an exercise regimen started at the onset of pregnancy. Our laboratory has previously reported voluntary wheel running in rats for 6 weeks before and during (EBD) pregnancy increases circulating free vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), restores angiogenic potential, and attenuates placental ischemia induced hypertension. Our hypothesis was exercise during (ED) pregnancy without previous exercise training would decrease blood pressure and restore angiogenic potential in pregnant rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP)-induced hypertension. Rats were given free access to running wheels upon confirmation of pregnancy, and running distance was monitored weekly. RUPP (n = 10) or Sham (n= 10) surgery was performed on day 14 of gestation (term=21). Arterial pressure (AP) was measured via indwelling catheter in conscious rats and tissues were collected on day 19. Serum angiogenic potential was assessed with an endothelial tube formation assay using human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC). RUPP increased AP compared to Sham (123±2 vs 105±3 mmHg; P