High-intensity interval training prevents cognitive-motor impairment and serum BDNF level reduction in parkinson mice model

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compact (SNpc). Previous studies have shown that cognitive deficits and motor impairment symptoms seen in PD and that physical exercise may exert beneficial effects on PD. In most cases, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in such effects. However, little is known on the role of BDNF in exercise, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-related effects on PD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks HIIT against experimentally reserpine (RES)-induced PD in male mice, by analyzing the motor coordination, learning and serum BDNF level. Male mice received 20 (s.c) injections of 0.1 mg/kg RES or vehicle, every other day. Rotarod and spontaneous alternation tests were used for measurement of motor coordination and short-term memory, respectively, and serum levels of BDNF were also measured using the ELISA technique. All behavioral tests were performed 48 h after the RES injection. RES injection caused a significant motor coordination and cognitive deficits (p < 0.05) and these effects were reversed in mice after receiving exercise protocol. HIIT improved the motor coordination and cognitive performance against RES administration (p < 0.05). Also, serum BDNF level was decreased in mice RES-induced PD (p < 0.05) and HIIT restored this to control levels (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that HIIT shows a protective effect in a mice model of PD and may repair motor coordination and cognitive dysfunctions in PD due to increased serum levels of BDNF.