[Prolonged effects of training on adipose tissue glucose metabolism and insulin responsiveness in adult rats (author's transl)].

Physical training (forced swimming for 6 weeks) led in resting adult rats modifications of circulating hormones, fuels and substrates, of epididymal adipose tissue composition and of its glucose metabolism. Plasma concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesterol and insulin were decreased by training. The weight of the epididymal fat pad, its triglyceride content and the mean cell size of adipocytes were significantly diminished. Twenty four hours after the end of the final exercise period, incorporation of D-U-14C-glucose into triglycerides was reduced (P less than 0.01) but the response to insulin was greatly enhanced for swimming rats both for oxidation of labelled glucose (P less than 0.001) and its incorporation into lipids (P less than 0.001) (respectively 215 and 225%). This enhancement of insulin sensitivity by training persisted and became more marked one week after the end of the exercise period (respectively 258 and 363%).