Effect of swimming training on the motor behavior and expression of BDNF and trkB in adrenal body

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of swimming on motor behavior and expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and trkB in adrenal body. Methods SD adult rats were divided into normal cotrol group and swimming group (n=10 in each group). All rats in swimming group were subjected 6 weeks swimming for 1h each day.Motor performances including swimming speed and distance were recorded and expression of BDNF and trkB in adrenal body was measured. Results There was a significant increase in swimming speed((157±60)m/min)and distance ((283.36±49.50)m) in swimming group, compared with control group ((283±60)m/min, (156.92±29)m)(P<0.05). Simultaneously, expression of BDNF in adrenal body had been significantly unregulated(0.93±0.09 vs 0.56±0.19)(P<0.05), while expression of trkB kept to be not changed. Conclusion Swimming increases motor ability in rats, and the possible mechanism may be related the upregulation of BDNF in adrenal body. Key words: Rat; Swimming; Adrenal body; Brain derived neurotrophic factor; trkB