Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of exhaustive exercise on the function of the kidney in rats and explore the mechanism. Methods Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sedentary control group (group C) and exhaustive exercise group (group E). They were measured the urine protein, uric acid, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen after exercise. The reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitro tyrosine in kidney, and nephrin protein in the kidney were detected with fluorescent probe and Western blotting, respectively, and observed under Harris staining. Results There were significant differences between groups C and E in urine protein, uric acid, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine and nephrin protein (P<0.05). The glomerular morphology and the deformation of capillary basement membrane were found under the fluorescence microscope in group E. Conclusion Exhaustive exercise may damage the structure of kidney in rats, which may associate with oxidative stress.

Key words: exhaustive exercise, kidney, reactive oxygen species, nephrin, rats