Aerobic exercise training engages cholinergic signaling to improve emphysema induced by cigarette smoke exposure in mice

Lung inflammation is modulated by cholinergic signaling and exercise training protects mice against pulmonary emphysema development; however, whether exercise training engages cholinergic signaling is unknown. As cholinergic signaling is directly linked to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) levels, we evaluated whether the effects of aerobic exercise training depend on the VAChT levels in mice with pulmonary emphysema. Wild-type (WT) and mutant (KDHOM) mice (65–70% of reduction in VAChT levels) were exposed to cigarette smoke (30 min, 2×/day, 5×/week, 12 weeks) and submitted or not to aerobic exercise training on a treadmill (60 min/day, 5×/week, 12 weeks). Lung function and inflammation were evaluated. Cigarette smoke reduced body mass in mice (p