Effect of short term and light forced treadmill running on BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus of adult wistar male rats

Among the trophic factors in CNS, the role of neurotrophins for their multiple actions is more pronounced. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two weeks light aerobic running on protein levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and the specific receptor of TrkB, relying on the more transparent role of exercise on synaptic and neurogenerative modification.

This experimental study was conducted with the animal model. Twelve adult male wistar rats, 8 weeks of age, were selected as subjects (with mean body weight of 200-225 gr). The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups of control (n=6) and runner (n=6). In runner group, animals were allowed to run on treadmill at a speed of 12 m/min daily for 30 minutes for 2 weeks. Twenty four hours after the last session of exercise, the animals were sacrificed and the hippocampus of both sides of hemisphere removed. Changes in protein levels were determined with ELISA technique.

Statistical analysis by independent sample t test showed that between the runner and control groups there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) statistically and running significantly increased the protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus of rats.

Increase in these factors shows the effect of exercise as a positive moderating factor in the growth and survival of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.