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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
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Changes in brain tissue and behavior patterns induced by single short-term fasting in mice
Yuko Hisatomi1, Kyo Asakura, Kenji Kugino
1Department of Health and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health and Social Welfare Science, Nishikyushu University, Kanzaki, Saga, Japan.
Plos One
|November 14, 2013
Summary
Short-term fasting in mice increased physical activity and disrupted movement patterns. Fasting inhibited neuronal neogenesis, suggesting an impact on brain function without causing brain atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Long-term malnutrition (anorexia) in humans is linked to increased physical activity and brain atrophy.
- The specific effects of short-term fasting on brain structure and behavior are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a single short-term fasting period on brain function and tissue in a mouse model.
- To assess changes in migratory behavior and brain tissue structure following fasting.
Main Methods:
- Male adult C57BL/6J mice were divided into fasted and control groups.
- Behavioral patterns (activity, consumption) and brain tissue (cell number, myelin, axon density) were analyzed.
- Neuronal neogenesis in the subventricular zone and hippocampus was examined.
Main Results:
- Fasted mice exhibited significantly increased physical activity and disrupted movement rhythms, becoming active day and night.
- Brain weight and structure showed no signs of atrophy, with no apparent textural changes.
- Fasting inhibited neuronal neogenesis in key brain regions, indicating a disorder in brain function.
Conclusions:
- Single short-term fasting can disrupt normal behavioral patterns and inhibit neuronal neogenesis in mice.
- While brain atrophy was not observed, fasting appears to affect brain function by suppressing neurogenesis.
- Further research is needed to establish a direct link between suppressed neurogenesis and observed hyperactivity.
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