Acute forced exercise increases Bdnf IV mRNA and reduces exploratory behavior in C57BL/6J mice
Andrew C Venezia1, Molly M Hyer2, Erica R Glasper2
1Department of Exercise Science and Sport, The University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|October 18, 2019
Summary
Acute exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA in mice, but high-intensity running impairs exploratory behavior and does not improve memory. This suggests exercise intensity influences neurobiological and behavioral outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Behavioral Biology
Background:
- Acute exercise enhances memory and brain plasticity in humans.
- Mechanisms involve brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and neurotransmitter systems.
- Mouse models are crucial for studying exercise's impact on brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute exercise intensity on memory and anxiety-like behavior in C57BL/6J mice.
- To examine changes in Bdnf expression and glutamate receptor subunits following exercise.
- To explore the role of the noradrenergic system in exercise-induced behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Mice underwent moderate- or high-intensity treadmill running.
- Hippocampal tissue was analyzed for Bdnf mRNA and glutamate receptor expression.
- Object location memory and open field tasks assessed behavior.
- Noradrenergic system lesions were induced using DSP-4.
Main Results:
- High-intensity running increased Bdnf exon IV mRNA in the hippocampus.
- No significant effects of acute exercise on object location memory were observed.
- Exercise reduced exploratory behavior and increased grooming in the open field task.
- DSP-4 treatment did not alter the effects of exercise on behavior.
Conclusions:
- Acute exercise increases Bdnf IV mRNA in an intensity-dependent manner.
- High-intensity running negatively impacts exploratory behavior in mice.
- Exercise intensity is a critical factor influencing neurobiological and behavioral responses.
