the effect of 4 weeks exercise on mRNA of GDNF in rat’s hippocampus with AD induced by Aβ1-42 injection

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and amyloid peptides playing a central role in its pathogenesis. Recently, regular exercise has been considered as one of the most important non-pharmacological mechanisms to contrast with AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks exercise on mRNA of GDNF in rat’s hippocampus with AD induced by Aβ1-42 injection.

56 male rats with mean±SD weight of 195±20 g were randomly divided Into four groups: training group, Aβ-42 induction + training group, Aβ-42 induction group and control group. injection of Aβ1-42 into the hippocampus was performed. Seven days after surgery, rats of each groups were either sacrificed or subjected to behavioral testing, randomly. Real-Time PCR were used for investigation of mRNA GDNF.

there is a significant difference between the groups. Gene expression level in training group was higher and in the Aβ-42 induction group was lower (p < 0.001). Moreover, spatial learning and memory were significantly better in the exercise + AD than AD group (p < 0.01).

It seems that 4 weeks of exercise could improve spatial memory and learning. Moreover, aerobic exercise could increase the level of neurotrophic factors gene expression specially GDNF in rat’s hippocampus.