Running enhances neurogenesis, learning, and long-term potentiation in mice

TLDR

Running increases neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, a key region for memory. The study examined whether voluntary running enhances spatial learning and long‑term potentiation in mice compared to sedentary controls. Mice received bromodeoxyuridine to mark dividing cells, were trained in the Morris water maze, and hippocampal slices from the dentate gyrus and CA1 were used to assess LTP. Runners showed better water‑maze performance, more BrdU‑positive cells, and selectively greater dentate‑gyrus LTP, indicating that exercise boosts hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and learning.

Abstract

Running increases neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, a brain structure that is important for memory function. Consequently, spatial learning and long-term potentiation (LTP) were tested in groups of mice housed either with a running wheel (runners) or under standard conditions (controls). Mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine to label dividing cells and trained in the Morris water maze. LTP was studied in the dentate gyrus and area CA1 in hippocampal slices from these mice. Running improved water maze performance, increased bromodeoxyuridine-positive cell numbers, and selectively enhanced dentate gyrus LTP. Our results indicate that physical activity can regulate hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and learning.