Exercise enhances hippocampal-dependent learning in the rat: evidence for a BDNF-related mechanism.
Short periods of forced exercise have been reported to selectively induce enhancements in hippocampal-dependent cognitive function, possibly via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated mechanisms. In this study, we report that 1 week of treadmill running significantly enhanced both object displacement (spatial) and object substitution (nonspatial) learning. These behavioral changes were accompanied by increased expression of BDNF protein in the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, and perirhinal cortex. The effects of exercise on object substitution were mimicked by intracerebroventricular injection of BDNF protein. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that exercise has the potential to enhance cognitive function in young healthy rats, possibly via a mechanism involving increased BDNF expression in specific brain regions.
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Eadaoin W
EW
Griffin
Ranya G
RG
Bechara
Amy M
AM
Birch
Aine M
AM
Kelly
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D018891:Dentate Gyrus / Q000502:physiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology*; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor