Exercise protects synaptic density in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Le résumé fourni par la source

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by Lewy body and neurite pathology associated with dopamine terminal dysfunction. Clinically, it is associated with motor slowing, rigidity, and tremor. Postural instability and pain are also features. Physical exercise benefits PD patients - possibly by promoting neuroplasticity including synaptic regeneration. OBJECTIVES: In a parkinsonian rat model, we test the hypotheses that exercise: (a) increases synaptic density and reduces neuroinflammation and (b) lowers the nociceptive threshold by increasing μ-opioid receptor expression. METHODS: H]PK11195. The nociceptive threshold was determined prior to and throughout the exercise protocol. RESULTS: H]UCB-J binding and lower levels of neuroinflammation compared to sedentary lesioned rats. Striatal 6-OHDA injections reduced thalamic μ-opioid receptor availability but subsequent exercise restored binding. Exercise also raised thalamic and hippocampal SV2A synaptic density in 6-OHDA lesioned rats, accompanied by a rise in nociceptive threshold. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that treadmill exercise protects nigral and striatal synaptic integrity in a rat lesion model of PD - possibly by promoting compensatory mechanisms. Exercise was also associated with reduced neuroinflammation post lesioning and altered opioid transmission resulting in an increased nociceptive threshold.

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