The Effect of Swimming Training on Ganglionic Cells Population and Class III Beta-Tubulin Protein in Dorsal Root Ganglion of Wistar Male Rats: An Experimental Study

β-tubulin protein is the protein that has a key role in plasticity and neurogenesis in the mature neurons. On the other hand, endurance training is effective in neuron life and lifespan. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of 20 days swimming training on class III β-tubulin and the number of ganglion cells in DRG of Wistar male rats.

In this experimental study, 16 male Wistar rats (healthy) weighing 200-250 gr were randomly divided into control and exercise training groups. The exercise training group performed a swimming training program for 20 days, the control group did not participate in any activity. In the following, the ganglionic cells population and β-tubulin protein level in the posterior root of the spinal cord was measured by Cresyl violet staining method and immunofluorescence, respectively. Finally, data were analyzed using the independent t-test.

The results showed that swimming activity significantly (p=0.0001) increased beta-tubulin protein in the experimental group. Also the a significant increase in the ganglion cells population was observed in the spinal cord posterior root of the experimental group compared to the control group (p=0.0001).

Swimming endurance activity may have a protective and restorative effect by increasing neurogenesis on dorsal root ganglion neurons.