Effect of Complex Voluntary Wheel Running on Hippocampal histology and Necroptosis Related Genes Expression level and Spatial Memory Function in Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Effect of complex voluntary wheel running on necroptosis and inflammation related hippocampal genes’ expression level and spatial memory function in rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not fully elucidated.

60 male Wistar rats (age: 4-6 weeks) were randomized into three groups of control-healthy (H-C), control-Alzheimer (C-ALZ), and complex wheel running-Alzheimer (CWheel-ALZ). AD induction was verified using shuttle box test two weeks following brain ventricle STZ injection and CWheel-ALZ animals experienced 12 weeks of complex voluntary wheel running in the following. Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer thickness and neuronal density (histochemical analysis) and necroptosis related hippocampal genes’ expression level were measured by PCER method following euthanasia. Data were compared using ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test.

CA1 cell layer thickness and neuronal density were lower, while duration of spatial memory task, time to exhaustion and expression level of necroptosis related genes were higher in C-ALZ compared to H-C (P<0.05). In spite of restoration of all of variables in CWheel-ALZ animals (significant differences was observed compared to C-ALZ group), remarkable differences with H-C were still present after intervention (P<0.05).

AD elevates likelihood of hippocampal inflammation and necroptosis along with both physical and mental performances. Complex wheel running fails to fully assuage the adverse effects from AD, in spite of some appreciable amendments could be provided. However; more research still warranted to be because of study limitations and lack of similar evidence done in this area.