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All About Running: Synaptic Plasticity, Growth Factors and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis

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Neurogenesis and Neural Plasticity

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 15))

Abstract

Accumulating evidence from animal and human research shows exercise benefits learning and memory, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and could delay age-related cognitive decline. Exercise-induced improvements in learning and memory are correlated with enhanced adult hippocampal neurogenesis and increased activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. In this present chapter we will highlight the effects of physical activity on cognition in rodents, as well as on dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, spine density, neurotransmission and growth factors, in particular brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF).

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program.

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  1. Neuroplasticity and Behavior Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, NIA/NIH Biomedical Research Center, Suite 100, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA

    Carmen Vivar, Michelle C. Potter & Henriette van Praag

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  1. Carmen Vivar
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  2. Michelle C. Potter
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  3. Henriette van Praag
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Correspondence to Henriette van Praag .

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  1. , INSERM 930, Faculté des Sciences, Parc Grandmont, Tours, 37200, France

    Catherine Belzung

  2. Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom

    Peter Wigmore

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Vivar, C., Potter, M.C., van Praag, H. (2012). All About Running: Synaptic Plasticity, Growth Factors and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. In: Belzung, C., Wigmore, P. (eds) Neurogenesis and Neural Plasticity. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 15. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2012_220

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