Beneficial Impact of Aerobic Exercise During Pregnancy on Motor Coordination Deficits Induced by PTZ in Preadolescent Male Mice

Abstract

Objective Seizures during pregnancy have been linked to adverse outcomes for newborns and motor coordination (MC) defects in offspring. Physical activity has shown promise in reducing seizure severity and promoting positive outcomes for newborns. In this study, we investigated the impact of aerobic exercise during pregnancy on seizure activity in pregnant mice treated with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and the MC of preadolescence male mice.Methods Adult female ICR mice were divided into two groups and administered PTZ or saline for 30 days before mating. PTZ treatment continued throughout pregnancy for the experimental group, while the control group received saline. Active pregnant mice engaged in aerobic treadmill exercises from the first to the 20th day of pregnancy. MC in preadolescence male offspring was assessed using the rotarod test.Results Prenatal exposure to maternal seizures induced by PTZ resulted in MC deficiencies in preadolescence male offspring (P < 0.05). Aerobic exercise during pregnancy demonstrated beneficial effects on convulsive activity (P < 0.05) and was able to counteract the MC deficits caused by maternal seizures during pregnancy.Conclusion These findings suggest aerobic exercise during pregnancy may serve as a supplementary therapeutic approach to reduce convulsive activity and mitigate MC impairments in preadolescence male offspring.