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Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation logoLink to Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation
. 2014 Jun 30;10(3):162–167. doi: 10.12965/jer.140111

Treadmill exercise improves spatial learning ability by enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder rats

Hye Im Jeong 1, Eun-Sang Ji 2, Su-Hyun Kim 3, Tae-Wook Kim 4, Sang-Bin Baek 5, Seung Wook Choi 1,*
PMCID: PMC4106770  PMID: 25061595

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients show learning difficulty and impulsiveness. Exercise is known to improve learning ability and memory function. In the present study, we investigated the duration-dependence of the effect of treadmill exercise on spatial learning ability in relation with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in ADHD rats. For this study, radial 8-arm maze test and western blot for BDNF and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) were performed. Spontaneous hypertensive rats were used as the ADHD rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as the control rats. The rats in the exercise groups were forced to run on a treadmill for 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min once a day for 28 consecutive days. ADHD rats displayed impairment of spatial learning ability, in contrast treadmill exercise ameliorated impairment of spatial learning ability. Treadmill exercise for 30 min per day showed most potent ameliorating effect on impairment of spatial learning ability. BDNF and TrkB expressions in the hippocampus were decreased in the ADHD rats, in contrast treadmill exercise enhanced BDNF and TrkB expressions. Treadmill exercise for 30 min and for 60 min per day showed enhancing effects on BDNF and TrkB expressions. Treadmill exercise alleviated deficits in the spatial learning ability through enhancing BDNF and TrkB expressions in the ADHD rats. Treadmill exercise for 30 min per day can be considered as the most effective therapeutic modality for the ADHD symptoms.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Treadmill exercise, Spatial learning ability, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Tyrosine kinase B

INTRODUCTION

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder, and this disorder is characterized by following behavioral symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD patients show impairments in academic, social, and occupational functioning, and they exhibit learning difficulty and impulsiveness (Wilens and Dodson, 2004). In animal study, ADHD rats show deficits in the spatial learning ability with reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression (Kim et al., 2011).

BDNF is a member of the nerve growth factor family of neurotrophins, and BDNF is implicated in the survival and differentiation of neurons (Spina et al., 1992). Loss of BDNF during earlier stages of development caused hyperactivity and more pronounced hippocampal-dependent learning deficits (Monteggia et al., 2004). Processing of BDNF was associated with the acquisition of new information and the updating of information about a salient stimulus (Barnes and Thomas, 2008). BDNF works through binding to its high affinity receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB). BDNF-TrkB signaling is involved in synaptic tagging such as long-term potentiation and long-term memory (Lu et al., 2008). BDNF is associated with the pathophysiology of several psychiatric diseases, including mood disorders (Strauss et al., 2005). Suppressed BDNF level is memory deficits induced by several neuropsychiatric diseases (Hwang et al., 2013; Kim et al., 2011; Sim, 2014).

Exercise is known to improve learning ability and memory function (Jee et al., 2008; Kim et al., 2010). In ADHD children, physical movement improved working speed and social behavioral problems, and diminished hyperactivity (Majorek et al., 2004). Treadmill exercise diminished hyperactivity and improved spatial learning ability in ADHD rats (Kim et al., 2011). Ji et al. (2014) evaluated the duration-dependence of the effect of treadmill exercise on hyperactivity. They concluded that treadmill exercise for 30 min once a day showed most potent inhibitory effect on hyperactivity in ADHD rats.

In the present study, we investigated the duration-dependence of the effect of treadmill exercise on spatial learning ability in relation with BDNF expression in ADHD rats. For this study, radial 8-arm maze test and western blot for BDNF and TrkB were performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental animals and treatment

Adult male spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) weighing (210±10 g) were used as the ADHD rats, because the SHR displays the major symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness (Sagvolden, 2000). SHR was selected only when showed hyperactivity in open field test. Meanwhile, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYR) weighing (210±10 g) were used as the control rats, according to the previous study (Sagvolden, 2000). The rats were housed under controlled temperature (20±2°C) and lighting conditions (07:00–19:00), with food and water made available ad libitum throughout the experiments. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 in each group): control group, ADHD group, ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group. All animal procedures were performed in accordance with the animal care guidelines of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

Treadmill exercise protocol

The rats in the treadmill exercise groups were subjected to run on a treadmill for 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min once a day, five times a week, for 28 days, according to each group. Exercise load for the running group consisted of running at a speed of 2 m/min for the first 5 min, at a speed of 5 m/min for the next 5 min, and then at a speed of 8 m/min for the last 20 min, with the 0° inclination.

Radial 8-arm maze test

Spatial learning ability was determined using a radial 8-arm maze apparatus, as the previously described method (Kim et al., 2006; Sim et al., 2014). The radial 8-arm maze apparatus consisted of a central octagonal plate (30 cm in diameter) and radiating eight arms (50 cm in length and 10 cm in width). The apparatus was placed 1 m above the floor. A small receptacle filled with water (3 cm in diameter and 1 cm in depth) was located at the end of the arms. The rats were trained three times before the spatial learning test. The rats deprived of water for 24 h were allowed to explore the water and to drink for 5 min. On the 28 days after the starting of experiment, the spatial learning ability was determined. The time spent in seeking water at the end of the arms was counted. The test was terminated when a rat found water in all eight arms or over 6 min elapsed. Re-entering to the previously visited arms was counted as an error. In addition, the number of correct choice before the first error was counted.

Tissue preparation

The rats were sacrificed, immediately after determining spatial learning ability. To begin the sacrifice process, the animals were fully anesthetized using Zoletil 50® (10 mg/kg, i.p.; Vibac Laboratories, Carros, France). The anesthetized rats were transcardially perfused with 50 mM phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and fixed with a freshly prepared solution consisting of 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) in 100 mM phosphate buffer (PB) at pH 7.4. Brains were dissected, post-fixed in the same fixative overnight, and transferred to 30% sucrose for cryoprotection. Coronal sections of 40 μm thickness were made with a freezing microtome (Leica, Nussloch, Germany).

Western blot analysis for BDNF and TrkB expressions

BDNF and TrkB expressions were determined by western blot, as the previously described method (Kim et al., 2010; Sim et al., 2014). The hippocampal tissues were collected, and then were immediately frozen at −70°C. The hippocampal tissues were homogenized on ice, and lysed in a lysis buffer containing 50 mM HEPES (pH 7.5), 150 mM NaCl, 10% glycerol, 1% Triton X-100, 1 mM PMSF, 1 mM EGTA, 1.5 mM MgCl2·6H2O, 1 mM sodium orthovanadate, and 100 mM sodium flouride. Protein content was measured using a Bio-Rad colorimetric protein assay kit (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA). Protein (30 μg) was separated on SDS-polyacrylamide gels and transferred onto a nitro-cellulose membrane.

Mouse beta-actin antibody (1:500; Santa Cruz Biotech, Santa Cruz, CA, USA), rabbit BDNF antibody (1:1,000; Santa Cruz Biotechnology), rabbit TrkB antibody (1:1,000; Santa Cruz Bio-technology) were used as the primary antibodies. Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-mouse antibody for actin and anti-rabbit antibody for BDNF and TrkB (1:3,000; Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA, USA) were used as the secondary antibodies.

Experiment was performed in normal lab conditions and at room temperature except membrane transfer. Membrane transfer was performed at 4°C with the cold pack and pre-chilled buffer. Band detection was performed using the enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection kit (Santa Cruz Biotechnology).

Data analysis

To compare the relative expression of proteins, the detected bands were calculated densitometrically using Molecular AnalystTM, version 1.4.1 (Bio-Rad). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s post-hoc test, and the results were expressed as the mean±standard error of the mean (SEM). Significance was set as P<0.05.

RESULTS

Effects of treadmill exercise on spatial learning ability in the radial 8-arm maze test

The performance time, number of correct, and number of error choice in the radial 8-arm maze test are presented in Fig. 1. The performance time was 116.60±7.61 sec in the control group, 189.20±26.56 sec in the ADHD group, 190.60±27.44 sec in the ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, 123.40±8.52 sec in the ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and 154.80± 8.48 sec in the ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1.

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Effects of treadmill exercise on performance time, correct number, and error number in the radial 8-arm maze test. (A) Control group, (B) ADHD group, (C) ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, (D) ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and (E) ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group. *Represents P< 0.05 compared to the control group. #Represents P< 0.05 compared to the ADHD group.

The number of correct choice before the first error was 7.00± 0.36 in the control group, 3.00±0.21 in the ADHD group, 3.40±0.33 in the ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, 6.60±0.33 in the ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and 6.20±0.38 in the ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group.

The number of error made before eight successful performances was 3.80±0.48 in the control group, 11.60±0.80 in the ADHD group, 10.40±0.85 in the ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, 4.20±0.48 in the ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and 4.60±0.95 in the ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group.

These results demonstrated that ADHD rats showed longer performance time, lower correct number, and higher error number than those in the control rats. Treadmill exercise shortened performance time, enhanced correct number, and decreased error number. Treadmill exercise for 30 min showed most potent effects on these parameters.

Effects of treadmill exercise on BDNF and TrkB expressions in the hippocampus

The expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus were analyzed by western blotting (Fig. 2). When the level of BDNF (14 kDa) in the control group was set as 1.00, the level of BDNF was 0.37±0.03 in the ADHD group, 0.46±0.04 in the ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, 0.93±0.02 in the ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and 0.94±0.03 in the ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2.

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Effects of treadmill exercise on BDNF and TrkB expressions in the hippocampus. (A) Control group, (B) ADHD group, (C) ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, (D) ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and (E) ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group. *Represents P< 0.05 compared to the control group. #Represents P< 0.05 compared to the ADHD group.

When the level of mature TrkB (95 kDa) in the control group was set as 1.00, the level of TrkB was 0.20±0.02 in the ADHD group, 0.24±0.02 in the ADHD and 10 min treadmill exercise group, 0.44±0.03 in the ADHD and 30 min treadmill exercise group, and 0.43±0.03 in the ADHD and 60 min treadmill exercise group.

These results showed that expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus were decreased in the rats of ADHD group than the control rats. In contrast, treadmill exercise enhanced expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the ADHD rats. Treadmill exercise for 30 min most potently enhanced the expressions of BDNF and TrkB.

DISCUSSION

SHR is the most commonly used animal model for ADHD, because SHR strain shows hyperactivity and memory deficits (Sagvolden, 2000). SHR display hyperactivity in the open field test and deficits in the spatial learning ability, while control WKY rats did not show any behavior symptoms of ADHD (Ji et al., 2014; Kim et al., 2011). The beneficial effects of exercise on brain functions are well documented (Ferris et al., 2007; Jee et al., 2008; Sim et al., 2014). Kim et al. (2011) showed that treadmill exercise for 30 min per day showed most potent alleviating effect on hyperactivity in the ADHD rats. Yun et al. (2014) reported that treadmill exercise ameliorated motor disturbance through reducing Purkinje cell loss and inhibiting astrocyte reaction in the cerebellum of ADHD rats.

In the present results, ADHD rats displayed impairment of spatial learning ability, in contrast treadmill exercise ameliorated impairment of spatial learning ability in the ADHD rats. Treadmill exercise for 10 min per day did not exert any significant effects, meanwhile treadmill exercise for 30 min per day showed most potent ameliorating effect on impairment of spatial learning ability.

In BDNF knockout mice, recombinant BDNF completely reversed deficits in long-term potentiation and improved disturbance in synaptic transmission (Patterson et al., 1996). BDNF and TrkB regulate the survival and differentiation of neurons during development, and they are also involved in the several functions in adulthood, including plasticity processes. Alterations of BDNF expression might contribute to the depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease (Tapia-Arancibia et al., 2004). Increase of plasma BDNF level was observed in the ADHD patients, and plasma BDNF level had a significant positive correlation with the severity of inattention symptoms (Shim et al., 2008). BDNF has pleiotropic effects on neuronal development and synaptic plasticity, and defects in the BDNF functions contribute to cognitive dysfunction and anxiety-like behaviors (Greenberg et al., 2009). BDNF expression in the hippocampus was also suppressed in the old-aged rats with disturbance of short-term memory and spatial learning ability (Kim et al., 2010). There are many reports that treadmill exercise increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus (Kim et al., 2010; Sim et al., 2014; Soya et al., 2007).

In the present results, BDNF and TrkB expressions in the hippocampus were decreased in the ADHD rats, in contrast treadmill exercise enhanced BDNF and TrkB expressions in the ADHD rats. Treadmill exercise for 10 min per day did not exert any significant effects, meanwhile treadmill exercise for 30 min and for 60 min per day showed enhancing effects on BDNF and TrkB expressions.

Based on the present study, deficits of spatial learning ability in the ADHD rats can be ascribed to the suppressed BDNF and TrkB expressions. Treadmill exercise alleviated deficits in the spatial learning ability through enhancing BDNF and TrkB expressions in the ADHD rats. Treadmill exercise for 30 min per day can be considered as the most effective therapeutic modality for the ADHD symptoms.

Footnotes

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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