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Running throughout middle‐age improves memory function, hippocampal neurogenesis, and BDNF levels in female C57BL/6J mice
Author(s) -
Marlatt Michael W.,
Potter Michelle C.,
Lucassen Paul J.,
van Praag Henriette
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
developmental neurobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.716
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1932-846X
pISSN - 1932-8451
DOI - 10.1002/dneu.22009
Subject(s) - neurogenesis , hippocampal formation , morris water navigation task , neurotrophic factors , hippocampus , bromodeoxyuridine , open field , neurotrophin , neuroscience , brain derived neurotrophic factor , endocrinology , medicine , water maze , environmental enrichment , biology , psychology , immunohistochemistry , receptor
Age‐related memory loss is considered to commence at middle‐age and coincides with reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotrophin levels. Consistent physical activity at midlife may preserve brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, new cell genesis, and learning. In the present study, 9‐month‐old female C57Bl/6J mice were housed with or without a running wheel and injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label newborn cells. Morris water maze learning, open field activity and rotarod behavior were tested 1 and 6 months after exercise onset. Here we show that long‐term running improved retention of spatial memory and modestly enhanced rotarod performance at 15 months of age. Both hippocampal neurogenesis and mature BDNF peptide levels were elevated after long‐term running. Thus, regular exercise from the onset and during middle‐age may maintain brain function. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 943–952, 2012