Abstract
Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor found in skeletal muscle that affects peripheral motor neurons. The purpose of our experiment was to examine changes in GDNF protein expression in skeletal muscle from rats that have undergone different durations of exercise. GDNF protein content of skeletal muscle was examined following involuntary exercise on a running wheel for 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Muscles examined included diaphragm (dia), pectoralis (pec) and extensor hallucis longus (ehl). GDNF protein content was measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay. The results show that pec and ehl muscles responded to exercise with an early decrease in GDNF content (2 weeks), followed by a return to control levels after 4 and 6 weeks of exercise. Dia muscle showed a significant increase in GDNF protein content following 6 weeks of training. If GDNF expression in skeletal muscle is regulated by physical activity this could help to explain beneficial effects of exercise on motor nervous system structure and function. This work was supported by NIH grant 1 R15 AG022908‐01A2, The Monroe‐Brown Foundation, Western Michigan University, and MSU‐KCMS.
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