Exercise induces BDNF and synapsin I to specific hippocampal subfields

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Abstract
To assess the relationship between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synapsin I in the hippocampus during exercise, we employed a novel microsphere injection method to block the action of BDNF through its tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptor and subsequently measure the mRNA levels of synapsin I, using real‐time TaqMan RT‐PCR for RNA quantification. After establishing a causal link between BDNF and exercise‐induced synapsin I mRNA levels, we studied the exercise‐induced distribution of BDNF and synapsin I in the rodent hippocampus. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis revealed increases of BDNF and synapsin I in CA3 stratum lucidum and dentate gyrus, and synapsin I alone in CA1 stratum radiatum and stratum laconosum moleculare. These results indicate that exercise induces plasticity of select hippocampal transsynaptic circuitry, possibly comprising a spatial restriction on synapsin I regulation by BDNF.
Funding Information
  • NIH (NS 38978, NS 39522)