Neuroplasticity generated by different types of physical exercise in the rat brain

Abstract

A number of studies performed in rodents have revealed cellular and molecular exercise-induced changes in several brain structures. Motor skill learning is an essential aspect of development, adult life, and recovery after brain lesions. Learning requires protein synthesis, and is likely that some of the proteins synthesized are involved in structural plasticity. Since different types of exercise may induce distinct changes in different brain areas, it is important to study the plastic responses generated by the training of complex motor tasks (acrobatic exercise) and compare them with those involved in rhythmic tasks (forced exercise on a treadmill). The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein expression of synapsin I (SYS), synaptophysin (SYP), MAP2 and neurofilaments in the striatum and cerebellum of adult rats subjected to forced and acrobatic exercise. In addition, motor behavior and balance will be analyzed in this study. Methods - Adult male Wistar rats will be divided into 3 groups based on types of exercise training, namely control-sedentary (SED), forced exercise (FE) and acrobatic exercise (AE). The FE rats will be trained on a treadmill with a maximum speed of 0.6 km for 40 minutes, 3 times per week for 30 days. In the AE group, the rats will move through circuits consisting of various obstacles during the same period of time as the other group. Protein expression in the motor areas will be evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting methods with anti-SYS, SYP, MAP2, PAN and Egr-1 antibodies. Motor behavior will be analyzed with the aid of a Rotarod system. Anticipated Results - We expect that rhythmic exercise and complex motor tasks can induce distinct protein expression changes in different motor areas responsible for motor planning, coordination and balance. Elucidating neural responses to different motor training protocols may help therapeutic selection for motor dysfunctions. (AU)