The effect of high-intensity interval training on the GLUT-1, PDK1 gene expressions in rat lung

Glucose is the major substrate of the lung tissue under physiological conditions. However, the glucose transfer in the lung tissue during training has not received enough attention. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of HIIT on GLUT-1 and PDK1 expressions at mRNA level in lung tissue.  14 Wistar male rats (age: 4 weeks old, weight: 68±9 g) were randomly assigned to training and control groups. The training program included 9 weeks of HIIT which started with the speed of 25 m/min. and ended with the speed of 70 m/min. Following tissue sampling, RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized, and the expressions of genes were determined by real time RT-PCR technique. GLUT-1 gene expression decreased following 9 weeks of interval training compared with the control group and this change was not significant. Also, PDK1 expression increased following the training program and showed a significant difference with the control group during the 9 weeks (P≤0.05). According to the current results, it is likely that other substrates other than glucose are involved in metabolic pathways of the lung tissue during training.