Treadmill exercise improves memory and increases hippocampal BDNF in a rat model of Alzheimer's Disease

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is strongly correlated with learning and memory impairments. As exercise can enhance memory and learning, in this study, we have investigated the effects of treadmill exercise on memory impairment in amyloid beta (A beta)- treated rats focusing on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Methods: Wistar male rats received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of A beta and exercised on a treadmill for one month. Memory function was assessed using Morris water maze (MWM) and avoidance learning tasks. The level of BDNF was examined by the ELISA test. Results: The results of MWM and avoidance learning tasks showed that treadmill exercise could improve A beta- induced memory impairment significantly. Moreover, BDNF expression increased following exercise in the A beta- treated rats. Conclusion: The present results suggested that treadmill exercise may improve memory in Alzheimer's disease by increasing BDNF level in the hippocampus.