Exercise and the brain: Neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, spine density, and angiogenesis

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on brain structural and synaptic plasticity as well as cognitive function in rodents. In normal young and aged mice wheel running increases neurotrophin, neurotransmitter, and angiogenesis levels, and enhances fine neuronal morphology such as dendritic branching and spine density. Specific to the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is the increase in the production of new neurons with running, which may mediate at least in part the observed improvements in learning and memory. The role of exercise in mouse models of neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease is also evaluated and found to be generally beneficial with the potential exception of Huntington’s disease. Furthermore, possible peripheral triggers elicited with exercise, such as muscle activation, that lead to improvements in brain structure and function are discussed.