The influence of an enriched environment on the expression of cognitive function related genes in murine hypothalamus and hippocampus

Abstract

[eng] The influence of physical activity on the expression of cognitive function genes is widely accepted. Moreover, several studies have found its positive impact in neurological disorders. Enriched environment, which consists not only of increased physical activity, but also includes dynamic and more complex social interactions and an exposure to novel objects, it has been reported to improve cerebral health in various forms. The objective of this work was to check what is the influence of an enriched environment (EE) on the expression of cognitive function related genes in both - hypothalamus and hippocampus. For this purpose, a 1-month-long experiment was conducted, in which twelve male mice were used. Those animals were divided into two groups, each of them containing six subjects. First group was the control one, and the second constituted an experimental group kept in an EE. Body weight was monitored. After one month, all of the mice were sacrificed and their hypothalami and hippocampi were isolated. Next, the molecular laboratory part was performed, which included RNA extraction, electrophoresis, retro-transcription and finally, real-time polymerase chain reaction. In a consequence, the results of the expression of following genes were obtained: BDNF, PGC1α, FNDC5, AMPKα, NPY and AgRP. The results obtained showed no statistical differences regarding gene expression of the selected genes. A refinement of the experimental protocol, including a longer time of exposition to an EE is suggested.