title: Running is the neurogenic and neurotrophic stimulus in environmental enrichment.
abstract: Environmental enrichment (EE) increases dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. However, running is considered an element of EE. To dissociate effects of physical activity and enrichment on hippocampal neurogenesis and BDNF levels, young female C57Bl/6 mice were housed under control, running, enrichment, or enrichment plus running conditions, and injected with bromodeoxyuridine. Cell genesis was assessed after 12 d and differentiation was analyzed 1 mo later. In addition, locomotor activity in the open field and hippocampal mature BDNF peptide levels were measured. Open-field adaptation was improved in all groups, compared to controls, but more so with running. New cell proliferation, survival, neuron number, and neurotrophin levels were enhanced only when running was accessible. We conclude that exercise is the critical factor mediating increased BDNF levels and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
authors: Neuroplasticity and Behavior Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
authors: Tali
authors: T
authors: Kobilo
authors: Qing-Rong
authors: QR
authors: Liu
authors: Kriti
authors: K
authors: Gandhi
authors: Mohammed
authors: M
authors: Mughal
authors: Yavin
authors: Y
authors: Shaham
authors: Henriette
authors: H
authors: van Praag
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D018891:Dentate Gyrus / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D004777:Environment; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine