Swimming training prevents alterations in ecto-NTPDase and adenosine deaminase activities in lymphocytes from Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride induced hypertension rats.

Background and Method: Hypertension is accompanied by inflammatory process and purinergic system has been recognized as having an important role in modulating immune functions. Physical training is being considered one of the major lifestyle changes that contributes to the cardiovascular health as well as has an important role in regulating purinergic system. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic swimming training on lymphocytic purinergic system enzymes activities related to inflammatory process, as well as in lipid profile and classic inflammatory markers in rats that developed hypertension in response to the oral administration of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME).
Results: After 6 weeks of training, lymphocytes and serum were separated to be analysed. L-NAME-treated group displayed an increase in SBP as well as in ecto-NTPDase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities (P < 0.05). Six weeks of swimming training were able to prevent these alterations and keep the blood pressure and enzymes activities in the same levels of control group. Exercise per se was associated with a decrease in the expression of ecto-NTPDase1 in lymphocytes (-23.4%). Exercise was also efficient in preventing the rise in classic inflammatory markers observed in L-NAME group.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the link between purinergic signalling and inflammatory process and suggest a novel mechanism in which moderate aerobic exercise possesses the potential to attenuate inflammation caused by hypertension.