Research reportChanges in spatial memory and BDNF expression to simultaneous dietary restriction and forced exercise

Previous literature suggests that learning and memory formation can be influenced by diet and exercise. In the current study, we investigated the combined effects of forced swimming exercise (FSE) and every other day fasting (EODF) on spatial memory formation and on the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of Wistar male rats. The radial arm water maze (RAWM) paradigm was used to assess changes in learning and memory formation, whereas ELISA assay was used to measure BDNF protein levels. The FSE and/or EODF were simultaneously instituted for 6 weeks. Results show that FSE improved learning, short-term as well as long-term memory formation, and significantly increased BDNF protein in the hippocampus (p < 0.05). However, EODF had no effect on either spatial learning and memory formation or the levels of hippocamapal BDNF protein (p > 0.05). In addition, EODF did not modulate beneficial effect of swimming exercise on cognitive function (p > 0.05). Thus exercise enhanced, while EODF did not affect spatial learning and memory formation.

► Forced swimming exercise enhances spatial learning and memory formation. ► Dietary restriction using every other day fasting has neutral effect on spatial learning and memory formation. ► Dietary restriction using every other day fasting did not affect the positive effect of exercise on spatial memory formation. ► The effect of forced exercise on cognitive function might be mediated by BDNF.