Effects of enriched environment on the capacity of learning and memory and expression of BDNF expression of CA1 hippocampus in rats

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of enriched environment on the capacity of learning and memory and expression of brain derived neurotrophie factor(BDNF) expression of CA1 hippocampus in Wistar rats. Methods 20 male Wistar rats were raised from weaning(21 days old) to young adulthoed(50 -60 days old) in either an enriched or normal environment. The ability of learning and memory was measured with the Morris water maze test,and the expression of BDNF of CA1 hippocampus neuron was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results During Morris water maze test, the mean latency in enriched environment group was significantly shorter than that in the normal control group(24.37±5.45)s Vs (31.28±5.39)s;the time taken to cross the target in enriched environment group was significantly more than that in the normal control group(3.38±0.79)Vs (2.21± 0.49);the swimming distance of platform quadrant increased in the enriched environment group, and the decreased gray intensity of BDNF expression in CA1 hippoeampus was found in the enriched environment group. Conclusions Enriched environment can improve the capacity of learning and memory of the rats, which were realized may be through BDNF pathway. Key words: Enriched environment;  Learning and memory;  Brain derived neurotrophie factor(BDNF)