The effect of endurance training under microgravity condition on serum level of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in male rats

Exposure to microgravity condition such as space, bed rest and other microgravity environments lead to several neuromuscular problems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of four weeks endurance training under microgravity condition on serum level of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in male rats. In this regard, 36 six-week-old male Wistar rats (weight range 175 ± 15 gr) were randomly selected and divided into four groups including suspension group (n=10), endurance training group (n= 6), endurance training + suspension (n=10), control (n=10) and were examined for four weeks. To simulate microgravity condition on Earth, hind-limb suspension model was used for four weeks. After collecting blood samples from left ventricles of rats and separating serum BDNF levels were measured by ELISA kit. our results showed that serum levels of BDNF in endurance training with suspension group compare to other groups significantly increased (P<0.05). Based on the present results, it seems that endurance training under microgravity condition could reduce the neuromuscular problems induced by microgravity. Also this type of training like exercises with anti-gravity treadmills can be used for other physiological condition similar to astronauts, such as the elderly and patient on bed rest and people with spinal cord injury