Preventive Effect of Maternal Forced Exercise on Offspring Pain Perception and Intensity: The Role of 5-HT(2) and D(2) Receptors

BACKGROUND: Many previous studies showed that maternal forced exercise can reduce some central disorders in offsprings, but its clear mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the role of 5-HT(2) and D(2) receptors in neuroprotective effects of maternal forced exercise in offspring neurodevelopment and effect on some behaviors were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight pregnant rats were trained by forced exercise, and some behavioral assays in their offspring were performed in the presence and absence of 5-HT(2) and D(2) receptor antagonists in various experimental groups. RESULTS: Our data showed that maternal forced exercise caused increase in latency of pain perception in offsprings in hot plate test, writhing test (WT), and tail flick test. Furthermore, a decrease in intensity was shown by WT. On the other hand, treatment of mothers by forced exercise in combination with 5-HT(2) and D(2) receptor antagonists could inhibit these effects of forced exercise and cause disturbances in pain perception and intensity. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that maternal forced exercise causes protective effects on offspring pain perception and intensity, and in this effect, 5-HT(2) and D(2) receptors are probably involved.