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Exercise Intervention Modulates Synaptic Plasticity by Inhibiting Excessive Microglial Activation via Exosomes
Chen Li1, Jiayi Hu2, Wenhong Liu3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|August 5, 2022
Summary
Early exercise after stroke promotes exosome release, reducing brain damage and improving neural function. Exercise intervention, especially with exosome injection, significantly lowers infarct volume and enhances synaptic plasticity by modulating microglial activation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exosomes modulate neural activity and synaptic plasticity by interacting with microglia.
- Previous studies indicated exercise promotes exosome release and offers neuroprotection post-stroke.
- This research investigates the mechanism of exercise-induced neuroprotection via exosome release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neuroprotective mechanisms of exercise-induced exosome release following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
- To assess the impact of exercise intervention and exosome administration on neurological deficits and brain injury markers.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent MCAO and were divided into sedentary, exercise, and exercise with exosome injection groups.
- Evaluated modified neurological severity score (mNSS), infarct volume, microglial activation, dendritic complexity, and synaptic protein expression (Syn, PSD-95).
Main Results:
- Exercise and exosome treatment improved body weight and mNSS scores, with better survival post-exosome infusion.
- Both exercise and exosome groups showed reduced infarct volume and microglial activation, with enhanced dendritic complexity and synaptic protein expression.
- Exosome injection in exercised rats yielded the most significant neuroprotective effects.
Conclusions:
- Early exercise intervention post-stroke inhibits excessive microglial activation through exosome release.
- Exercise-induced exosome release plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic plasticity and promoting neuroprotection.
- Exosome administration combined with exercise offers a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke recovery.
