Voluntary wheel running restores endothelial function in conduit arteries of old mice: direct evidence for reduced oxidative stress, increased superoxide dismutase activity and down-regulation of NADPH oxidase.

Habitual aerobic exercise is associated with enhanced endothelium-dependent dilatation (EDD) in older humans, possibly by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. EDD was measured in young (6-8 months) and old (29-32 months) cage control and voluntary wheel running (VR) B6D2F1 mice.