Intermittent exercise improves working memory and locomotor activity by attenuating oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum of ovariectomized rats

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of moderate- or high-intensity intermittent exercise (MIIE/HIIE) on the oxidative status of the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, locomotor activities, as well as working memory performances of rats. Twenty female rats were divided into four groups: (1) sham-operated (Sham), (2) ovariectomy (OVX), (3) OVX + MIIE, and (4) OVX + HIIE groups. The OVX + MIIE and OVX + HIIE groups exercised on a rat treadmill for 7 weeks. The assessment on the working memory performances and locomotor activities were conducted on the last day of the exercise period. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities, as well as levels of hydrogen peroxidase (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum were determined using a spectrophotometer. Ovariectomy depressed the working memory, locomotor activities, the levels of SOD, CAT, and GPX enzyme activities, and elevated the levels of H2O2, and MDA in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. MIIE and HIIE exert their neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress in the brain of ovariectomized rats. HIIE has more potent effects than MIIE in suppressing the levels of oxidants in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum by increasing the levels of SOD and CAT activities more than MIIE.