chronic stress-induced memory deficits is reversed by regular exercise via ampk-mediated bdnf...

7/26/2019 Chronic Stress-Induced Memory Deficits is Reversed by Regular Exercise via AMPK-mediated BDNF Induction

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Accepted Manuscript

Chronic stress-induced memory deficits is reversed by regular exercise via

AMPK-mediated BDNF induction

Dong-Moon Kim, Yea-Hyun Leem

PII: S0306-4522(16)00242-6

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.019

Reference: NSC 16983

To appear in: Neuroscience

Accepted Date: 7 March 2016

Please cite this article as: D-M. Kim, Y-H. Leem, Chronic stress-induced memory deficits is reversed by regular

exercise via AMPK-mediated BDNF induction, Neuroscience(2016), doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.

2016.03.019

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Chronic stress-induced memory deficits is reversed by regular exercise via AMPK-

mediated BDNF induction

Dong-Moon Kim1, Yea-Hyun Leem

2,*

1Department of Society of Sports & Leisure Studies, Wonkwang University, 460 Iksandea-ro,

Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

2Department of Molecular Medicine and TIDRC, School of Medicine, Ewha Womens

University, Seoul 158-710, Republic of Korea

Running title: Exercise restores cognitive function in chronic stress through AMPK

Grant sponsor: Wonkwang University in 2014 and National Research Foundation of Korea

funded by the Korean Government, Grant number: NRF-2013R1A1A2062984

*Corresponding author: Yea-Hyun Leem, Ph.D.,

Department of Neuroscience and TIDRC, Ewha Womans University, Mokdong Hospital,

911-1 Mok-Dong, Yangcheon-Ku, Seoul 158-710, Republic of Korea.

Tel: +82-2-2650-5749, Fax: +82-2-2650-5850, Email: [email protected]


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ABSTRACT

Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on neurological insults, psychiatric deficits, and

cognitive impairment. In the current study, chronic stress was shown to impair learning and

memory functions, in addition to reducing in hippocampal Adenosine monophosphate-

activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. Similar reductions were also observed for brain-

derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptophysin, and post-synaptic density-95 (PSD-95)

levels, all of which was counter-regulated by a regime of regular and prolonged exercise. A

21-day restraint stress regimen (6 h/day) produced learning and memory deficits, including

reduced alternation in the Y-maze and decreased memory retention in the water maze test.

These effects were reversed post-administration by a 3-week regime of treadmill running (19

m/min, 1 h/day, 6 days/week). In hippocampal primary culture, phosphorylated-AMPK

(phospho-AMPK) and BDNF levels were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner by 5-

amimoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR) treatment, and AICAR-treated increase

was blocked by Compound C. A 7-day period of AICAR intraperitoneal injections enhanced

alternation in the Y-maze test and reduced escape latency in water maze test, along with

enhanced phospho-AMPK and BDNF levels in the hippocampus. The intraperitoneal

injection of Compound C every 4 days during exercise intervention diminished exercise-

induced enhancement of memory improvement during the water maze test in chronically

stressed mice. Also, chronic stress reduced hippocampal neurogenesis (lower Ki-67- and

doublecortin-positive cells) and mRNA levels of BDNF, synaptophysin, and PSD-95. Our

results suggest that regular and prolonged exercise can alleviate chronic stress-induced

hippocampal dependent memory deficits. Hippocampal AMPK-engaged BDNF induction is

at least in part required for exercise-induced protection against chronic stress.


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Key words: chronic restraint stress, treadmill running, learning and memory, AMPK, BDNF

1 INTRODUCTION

Stress causes widespread changes to the neurochemical, neurobiological, and behavioral

responses of the brain. Accumulating evidence also suggests that chronic stress negatively

affects neural plasticity to produce deficits in memory and learning processes (Sandi and

Pinelo-Nava, 2007; Krishnan and Nestler, 2008). The detrimental effect of chronic stress on

cognitive function is suggested to be modulated by corticosterone, neurotrophins, oxidative

stress, and various neurotransmitters (McGaugh and Roozendaal, 2002; Yamada and

Nabeshima, 2003; Sandi and Pinelo-Nava, 2007; Calabrese et al., 2012; Kwon et al., 2013).

Among the brain structures affected, the hippocampus is a region commonly implicated in

repeated or chronic stress-triggered abnormalities of neural plasticity. Such abnormalities

include hippocampal atrophy, decreased neurogenesis, and impaired synaptic plasticity

(Watanabe et al., 1992; Sousa et al., 2000; Pham et al., 2003; Han et al., 2015).

Since a large amount of energy is required to fulfill the physiological demands of neurons in

the central nervous system (CNS), dysregulation of energy metabolism will deleteriously

affect their survival and function. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase

(AMPK) is an energy metabolite-sensing protein kinase that contributes to regulating cellular

energy homeostasis (Spasic et al., 2009; Steinberg and Kemp, 2009). The phosphorylation of

AMPK on threonine 172, producing phospho-AMPK, stimulates catabolic processes such as

glucose uptake, glycolysis, and fatty acid oxidation. Correspondingly, AMPK


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phosphorylation also suppresses anabolic process, including the synthesis of fatty acid,

cholesterol, and protein, to restore cellular energy levels (Hadad et al., 2008; Ronnett et al.,

2009). The activation of AMPK through phosphorylation is triggered by ATP depletion

(increased AMP/ATP ratio), metabolic stresses (hypoxia, glucose deprivation, oxidative

stress), and exercise (Culmsee et al., 2001; McCullough et al., 2005; Hardie, 2007).

Furthermore, AMPK is also phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase ,

suggesting that the kinase activity of this molecule is regulated indirectly by intracellular

Ca2+

levels (Woods et al., 2005). As addressed above, AMPK is considered to play a crucial

role in CNS neuronal responses to various physiological and pathological stimuli, particularly

within the hippocampus. Supporting this, modest activation of AMPK in the hippocampus by

diet restriction improves cognitive function and enhances hippocampal neurogenesis (Dagon

et al., 2005). Similarly, Resveratrol treatment elicits activation of hippocampal AMPK and

alleviates prenatal stress-induced memory impairment in pups (Cao et al., 2014). These

articles suggest a potential role for hippocampal AMPK activation in the modulation of

cognitive function. Furthermore, a recent study showed that the induction of unpredictable

chronic mild stress for a 4-week period results in the inactivation of AMPK and the

emergence of abnormal mood-related behaviors (Zhu et al., 2014). The anti-depressive

actions of ketamine appear to require both availability of brain-derived neurotrophic factor

(BDNF) and AMPK activation, with the activation of AMPK causing induction of BDNF

expression (Yoon et al., 2008; Autry et al., 2011; Xu et al., 2013). The neuroprotective role of

BDNF and its link to cognitive function is well established. BDNF contributes to the

promotion of long-term potentiation, enhanced synaptic plasticity, and improved cognitive

function (Conner et al., 1997; Duman and Monteggia, 2006). Judging from these studies,

alterations in hippocampal AMPK activity may be linked to stress-induced memory

impairment.


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Physical exercise is renowned for its ability to improve brain function, influencing both

cognitive function and mood (Hillman et al., 2008). In particular, the effect of exercise on

performance in hippocampal dependent memory tasks is believed to be associated with

hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neurotrophins (Eadie et al., 2005; Gomez-

Pinilla et al., 2008; Hillman et al., 2008; van Praag, 2008). In addition, AMPK is highly

expressed in brain regions such as the hippocampus and plays a crucial role in exercise

physiology (Hadie, 2004; Spasic et al., 2009). However, the involvement of hippocampal

AMPK in chronic stress-induced memory impairment and its subsequent reversal with

exercise is still poorly understood. To unravel this issue, we explored whether exercise could

alleviate chronic stress-induced memory impairment using pharmacological activation and/or

inhibition of AMPK.

2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

2.1 Experimental subjects

Male 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice were obtained from Daehan Biolink, Inc. (Eumsung,

Chungbuk, Korea) and housed in clear plastic cages in specified pathogen-free conditions

under a 12:12-h light-dark cycle (lights on at 0800 and off at 2000). Mice had free access to

standard irradiated chow (Purina Mills, Seoul, Korea). Ewha Womans University Animal

Care and Use Committee granted the approval for all experimental procedures involving

animals.

2.2 Experimental design

In experimental 1 (Fig.1A), mice were subjected to the 21 consecutive days of restraint stress


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with various restraint durations (2-6 h/day). Water maze test was performed 27 days after the

exposure to stress. In experiment 2 (Fig. 1B), mice were subjected to the 21 consecutive days

of restraint stress. Water maze test was performed 3 or 27 days after the exposure to stress in

independent experiment. In experiment 3 (Fig. 3A), mice were divided into three groups

(control: CON, restraint stress: RST, exercise combined with restraint stress group: RST+Ex)

with each group containing 10 mice. To induce chronic stress by restraint, 8-week-old mice

were individually placed into well-ventilated 50-mL conical tubes, which prevented forward

or backward movement. Control mice remained undisturbed in their home cages during

restraint exposure. Restraint stress was delivered at set times from 1000 to 1600 for 6 h for 21

days. After the stress exposure period, all mice were pre-exercised to acclimate them to

treadmill-running (Myung Jin Instruments Co., Seoul, Korea) from 1000 (Pre-Ex; 12 m/min,

20min/day) for 3 days. Subsequently treadmill exercise was performed at 19 m/min for 60

min/day, 6 days/week for 21 days. Non-exercised mice were placed on the treadmill that was

turned off for 60 min once a day. Two days after the last treadmill session, Y-maze and water

maze tests were performed. In experiment 4 (Fig. 5A), mice were subjected to the 21

consecutive days of restraint stress. Serum CORT and ACTH levels were measured 1 day

after the last exposure to restraint. In experiment 6 (Fig. 5B), mice were subjected to a 21-day

(19 m/min, 1 h/day, 6 days/week) of treadmill running. Serum CORT and ACTH levels were

measured 1 day after the last administration to treadmill running. In experiment 5 (Fig. 7), the

Y-maze test and water maze test was performed 21 days after 7 consecutive days of

intraperitoneal injection with the AMPK agonist 5-amimoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside

(AICAR, 500 mg/kg, once a day; Tocris Bioscience, Bristol, UK; eight mice per group). In

experimental 6 (Fig. 8), mice were intraperitoneally injected with AICAR (0-500 mg/kg) for

7. Water maze test was performed 14 days after the last treatment with AICAR. In experiment

7 (Fig.9A), mice were divided into four groups (control, restraint stress, exercise combined


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with restraint stress group, exercise combined with restraint stress and Compound C; eight

mice per group). The experimental procedure of experiment 9 was equal to that of experiment

3, except on Compound C (10 mg/kg; EMD Chemicals, Gibbstown, NJ) treatment.

Compound C was intraperitoneally injected during exercise intervention every 4 days. Mice

without drugs (AICAR and Compound C) treatment were injected with saline (1% DMSO).

2.3 Y-maze test

The Y-maze consisted of three equal-sized arms made of white PVC. The arms measured

38.5-cm long, 3-cm wide, and 13-cm high, and were oriented at 60 angles from each other

(JEUNG DO Bio & Plant Co. LTD, Seoul, Korea). The Y-maze test was performed under

moderate lighting conditions (200 Lux) with moderately loud background white noise (40

dB). Mice began a single trial at the end of one arm and were allowed to explore the Y-maze

freely for 8 minutes. The number and sequence of arm visits were recorded manually by an

observer. Alternation was defined as a consecutive entry in three different arms. The

alternation percentage was calculated with the following formula: (number of

alternations/total number of arm visits) 2.

2.4 Water maze test

The test was performed using the SMART-CS (Panlab, Barcelona, Spain) program in an air-

conditioned room. The water maze experiment was carried out in a 1.5m diameter plastic

circular pool with 22C water containing powdered milk to obstruct the platform visibility.

Escape latency was monitored by a computer, using the SMART-LD program, which was

connected to a ceiling-mounted camera directly above the pool. The training schedule

consisted of two trials per day over 4 days of testing, and each trial assessed the ability of the


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mouse to reach the platform within 60s. On day 5, the mice were subjected to three probe

trials, in which they were required to swim for 60s without a platform. The time required to

reach the previous platform location (escape latency) was recorded for each animal. Each trial

was stored on videotape for subsequent analysis.

2.5 Western blot analysis

Hippocampal tissue was homogenized with lysis buffer (50 mM HEPES pH 7.5; 150 mM

NaCl;

10% glycerol; 1% TritonX-100; 1 mM PMSF; 1 mM EGTA; 1.5 mM MgCl26H2O; 1 mM

sodium orthovanadate; 100 mM sodium fluoride). Protein samples (20 g) were

electrophoretically separated on 10% polyacrylamide gels, transferred to nitrocellulose

membranes (Amersham Bioscience, Buckinghamshire, UK), and incubated with a primary

antibody in a blocking buffer at room temperature overnight. The next day, the samples were

rinsed with a washing buffer and incubated with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated

secondary antibody for 2 hours at room temperature. The optical density of each band was

measured using the SCION program (NIH Image Engineering, Bethesda, MD, USA).

Anti-phospho-AMPK and anti-AMPK antibodies were obtained from Cell Signaling Tech.

Inc. (Danvers, MA, USA), anti-BDNF was from Santa Cruz Biotechnology (Santa Cruz, CA,

USA), and anti-synaptophysin and anti-PSD-95 were obtained from Abcam (Cambridge, UK).

2.6 Primary hippocampal culture

Primary hippocampal cell cultures were prepared from E17 ICR mice. Dissociated single

cells were plated in a solution containing RF media, DMEM with 10% FBS, 1

penicillin/streptomycin, 1.4 mM L-glutamine, and 0.6% glucose, in 12-well plates for 1 day.


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On day in vitro (DIV) 1, the cells were incubated in Neurobasal Medium with 1 B27, 1

penicillin/streptomycin, and 1 L-glutaMax. The medium was changed every 2 days.

Cultures taken from DIV 7-9 were used in experiments. In experiment 1, cells were cultured

with AICAR (1, 0.5, 1 mM) for 1 hour, and then BDNF, phospho-AMPK, and AMPK levels

were measured using western blot analysis. In experiment 2, cells were cultured with

Compound C (1, 3, 10 M) for 2 hours before undergoing treatment with AICAR (0, 0.5 mM)

for 1 hour.

2.7 Immunohistochemistry

Anaesthetized mice were perfused with 100 mM phosphate buffer (PBS; pH 7.4), followed

by cold 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS. After perfusion, the brains were removed, fixed for

another 18 h,, and transferred to 1030% sucrose solution. Finally, 40-m-thick sections were

prepared using a vibratome (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany). Every eleventh section was taken

from the region between bregma 1.46 mm and 2.80 mm. Free-floating sections were

incubated with 0.3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), permeabilized with 0.3% Triton X-100, and

nonspecific protein binding was blocked by incubation with 3% normal goat serum. Sections

were incubated overnight at 4C with anti-Ki-67 and anti-doublecortin (DCX) primary

antibodies, respectively (Abcam, Cambridge, MA, USA; rabbit polyclonal, 1: 2,000) and

subsequently with biotinylated secondary antibodies (Vector Laboratories; Burlingame, CA,

USA 1: 200, respectively), and then visualized using the ABC method (ABC Elite kit, Vector

Laboratories; Burlingame, CA, USA). The sections were mounted and assessed in digital

images (captured at 100 magnification) using Image J (NIH Image Engineering, Bethesda,

MD).


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2.8 CORT and ACTH measurements

Blood samples were centrifuged at 1000 gfor 15 min to obtain serum. CORT and ACTH

levels were measured from serum using CORT enzyme immunoassay kits (Cayman Chemical,

Ann Arbor, MI, USA), ACTH ELISA kit (Sigma-Aldrich, MO. USA).

2.9 RT-PCR

Total RNA was extracted using Trizol reagent kit (Invitrogen, CA, USA). The RNA was

reverse transcribed with reverse transcriptase and a random hexamer primer (Promega, CA,

USA). cDNA was amplified with the following sense and antisense primers (53): for

BDNF sense 5-TGG CTG ACA CTT TTG AGC AC-3and antisense 5-GTT TGC GGC

ATC CAG GTA AT-3; for synaptophysin sense, 5-TAA CCC GAG TAA GAA TGT C-3

and antisense 5-CCC TAC ATT CAC CCA CTT CTC C-3; for PSD-95 sense 5-TGC ACT

CTT GAT GTA TCA GC-3 and antisense 5-ACG GAT GAA GAT GGC GAT AG-3;for

GAPDH for sense 5-TCC ATG ACA ACT TTG GCA TT-3 and antisense 5-GTT GCT

GTT GAA GTC GCA GG-3. PCR products were analyzed on 1.5% agarose gel, and the

intensity of each band was measured using Image J (NIH Image Engineering, Bethesda, MD).

2.10 Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (SPSS for Windows, version 18.0, Chicago, IL,

USA), using one-way ANOVA, two-way repeated measured ANOVA, and independent t-tests

to assess for significance. Post-hoc comparisons were made using Newman-Keuls tests. All

values are reported as mean standard error (SE). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.


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3 RESULTS

3.1 Regular and prolonged treadmill running alleviated memory impairments produced

by repeated restraint.

First, we explored chronic stress-induced memory defect according to various durations of

restraint exposure (2-6 hours/day). The exposure to restraint for 6 hours per day resulted in

the decreased escape latency on the final day of water maze testing 4 weeks after the last

exposure to restraint, but not 2-3 hours per day (Fig.1A; for 2h/21d t14= -0.87, p > 0.05; for

3h/21d t14= -1.90, p > 0.05; for 6h/21d t14= -5.71.90, p > 0.01). Next, the escape latency of

stressed mice was enhanced on the final day of water maze testing compared with that of

control mice 1 week after the last exposure to restraint and this change lasted up to 4 weeks,

suggesting that the 21 consecutive days of restraint stress-induced memory deficit at least

lasted until 4 weeks in this experimental paradigm (Fig. 1B; for on day 28 t14= -11.20, p

0.05; for 21-day Ex, post-day 2, t12= -3.74, p < 0.01; for 21-day Ex, post-day 9, t12= -2.82, p

< 0.05). Furthermore, pre-exercise for the acclimation to treadmill running did not enhance

memory performance (Fig. 2A; t10= 0.01, p > 0.05). Memory function was evaluated using

water maze and Y-maze tests to elucidate whether repeated and regular exercise might

alleviate memory impairments induced by 21 consecutive days of restraint (Fig.3A). In the Y-

maze test, the alternation of restrained mice was markedly reduced compared with that of

control mice. This was reversed by treadmill exercise (Fig.3Ba; F2, 27 = 5.637, p < 0.01). In

the water maze test, the escape latency of restrained mice was significantly enhanced

compared with that of control mice, which was reversed by exercise treadmill running (the


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interaction effect of group x day F8, 108 = 18.13, p < 0.01; the main effect of group F1, 27 =

18218.74, p < 0.01; the main effect of day F4, 108 = 235.49, p < 0.01; Fig. 3Bb-c).

3.2 The expression of BDNF, phospho-AMPK, and synaptic proteins such as

synaptophysin and PSD-95 were reduced by chronic restraint, and this change was

counter-regulated by regular and prolonged treadmill running.

Chronic stress in the form of repeated restraint was found to down-regulate hippocampal

mature BDNF and phospho-AMPK expression. This effect was reversed by regular and

prolonged treadmill running (Fig. 4A; for BDNF F2, 21= 70.90, p < 0.01, for phospho-AMPK

F2, 21 = 85.30, p < 0.01). Additionally, the expression of two synaptic proteins, synaptophysin

(a presynaptic marker) and PSD-95 (a postsynaptic marker), was reduced by chronic stress,

which was similarly counter-regulated by regular and prolonged exercise (Fig. 4B; for

synaptophysin F2, 21= 184.06, p < 0.01; for PSD-95 F2, 21 = 49.59, p < 0.01).

3.3 Chronic stress enhanced serum corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotrophic

hormone (ACTH)

Serum corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels was in

chronic stressed mice significantly higher than in control mice at the rest, when CORT and

ACTH were measured 2 days after the 21 consecutive day of restraint stress (Fig. 5A; for

CORT, t8= -4.74, p < 0.01; for ACTH, t8= -3.70, p < 0.01). Regular exercise didnt alter

basal levels of both CORT and ACTH (Fig. 5B; for CORT, t8= 0.17, p > 0.05; for ACTH, t8=

-0.24, p > 0.05).

3.4 AICAR treatment enhanced BDNF expression, and Compound C treatment reduced

BDNF expression in the primary hippocampal culture.


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Since the expression pattern of phospho-AMPK corresponded well to that of mature BDNF,

we assessed mature BDNF expression level in the primary hippocampal culture using the

AMPK agonist, AICAR and AMPK antagonist, Compound C. BDNF expression was

enhanced in a dose-dependent manner and phospho-AMPK expression was simultaneously

increased by AICAR treatment (Fig. 6A; for BDNF F2, 9 = 126.7, p < 0.01; for phospho-

AMPK F2, 9 = 165.42, p < 0.01). Such effects were suppressed by prior exposure to

Compound C (Fig. 6B; for BDNF F4, 15 = 88.11, p < 0.01; for phospho-AMPK F4, 15 = 106.84,

p < 0.01).

3.5 AICAR treatment induced hippocampal BDNF and phospho-AMPK expression,

enhanced alternation in the Y-maze test, and reduced escape latency.

Since hippocampal AMPK activity mediated the induction of mature BDNF expression in

vitro, the ensuing experiments explored whether AICAR would exert a similar effect on

memory function in vivo (Fig. 7A). Seven consecutive days of AICAR treatment enhanced

the alternation rate in the Y-maze test up to 2 weeks after the last treatment (Fig. 7Ac; t14 = -

3.68, p < 0.05). Similarly, AICAR treatment up regulated the expression of hippocampal

mature BDNF and phospho-AMPK (Fig. 7Ab; t6= -11.71, p < 0.01). Also, in water maze test,

the escape latency decreased by ALCAR treatment on day 4-5 (Fig. 7B; the interaction effect

of group x day F4, 72 = 1.74, p > 0.05; the main effect of group F1, 18 = 18092.12, p < 0.01; the

main effect of day F4, 72 = 158.97, p < 0.01). The escape latency was reduced on day 4-5 in

mice treated with ALCAR at 500 mg/kg, but not 100-300 mg/kg (Fig. 8; the interaction effect

of group x day F12, 144 = 0.93, p > 0.05; the main effect of group F1, 36 = 40774.08, p < 0.01;

the main effect of day F4, 144 = 333.89, p < 0.01).

3.6 Compound C treatment during exercise intervention blocked exercise-induced


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memory improvement in mice subjected to restraint.

We investigated whether AMPK inactivation by treatment with Compound C blocked

exercise-induced memory improvement in stressed mice. Whilst exercise reduced the escape

latency of the water maze task in stressed mice, this effect was blocked by Compound C

treatment (Fig. 9; the interaction effect of group x day F12,144 = 9.48, p < 0.01; the main effect

of group F1, 36 = 35766.26, p < 0.01; the main effect of day F4, 144 = 245.29, p < 0.01).

3.7 Compound C treatment during exercise intervention suppressed exercise-produced

hippocampal neurogenesis enhancement in mice subjected to restraint.

We investigated whether AMPK inactivation by treatment with Compound C suppressed

exercise-produced enhancement of Ki-67-and doublecortin-positive cells in chronically

stressed mice. Compound C treatment reduced exercise-induced increase in hippocampal Ki-

67- and doublecortin-positive cells in chronically restrained mice (Fig. 10; for Ki-67 F3, 28 =

16.86, p < 0.01; for doublecortin F3, 28 = 16.86, p < 0.01).

3.8 Compound C treatment during exercise intervention blocked exercise-induced


We investigated whether AMPK inactivation by treatment with Compound C suppressed

exercise-produced enhancement of BDNF, synaptophysin, and PSD-95 mRNA in chronically

stressed hippocampus (Fig. 11). Compound C treatment reduced exercise-induced increase in

hippocampal BDNF, synaptophysin, and PSD-95 mRNA levels in chronically restrained mice

(Fig. 7; for BDNF F3, 16 = 62.97, p < 0.01; for synaptophysin F3, 16 = 63.21, p < 0.01; for PSD-

95 F3, 16 = 57.61, p < 0.01).

4 DISCUSSION


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The current study demonstrates that chronic restraint stress induces hippocampal-dependent

memory deficits, which can be counteracted with regular and prolonged treadmill exercise.

Furthermore, the protective effect of exercise against chronic stress-induced memory

impairment is at least in part dependent on hippocampal AMPK-mediated BDNF induction.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the role of hippocampal

AMPK in this capacity, at least with regard to its up regulation by prolonged exercise, and

subsequent induction of BDNF expression.

To investigate whether chronic stress caused memory defect, mice were subjected to restraint

stress for 21 days with various durations (2-6 hours/day) and subsequently memory function

was measured by water maze test (Fig. 1A). In the first instance, the exposure to restraint for

6 hours per day resulted in the decreased escape latency on the final day of water maze

testing 4 weeks after the last exposure to restraint, but not 2-3 hours per day. The escape

latency of stressed mice was enhanced on the final day of water maze testing compared with

that of control mice 1 week after the last exposure to restraint and this change lasted up to 4

weeks, suggesting that the 21 consecutive days of restraint stress-induced memory deficit at

least lasted until 4 weeks in this experimental paradigm (Fig. 1B). Furthermore, although

species and testing method were different from those of this study, the 21 consecutive days of

restraint stress (6h/day) reduced latency of entrance to the dark chamber in passive avoidance

test until 21 day after the last stress exposure (Radahmadi et al., 2015; Radahmadi et al.,

2013). For this reason, the chronic stress regime with a 6h/21d of restraint was adopted in the

current study. Next, we investigated whether a 21-day regime of treadmill running would

affect memory function. Analysis of memory function suggested that the rate of alternation in

Y-maze tasks was significantly enhanced 2 and 9 days after the last exposure to treadmill

running relative to that of non-treadmill-run mice, but not 7-day treadmill running (Fig. 2A).


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Furthermore, pre-exercise for the acclimation to treadmill running did not enhance memory

performance (Fig. 2B). Based on this data, the exercise paradigms that mice were subjected

to during treadmill running after pre-exercise were adopted in the current study. We found

that treadmill running for three weeks alleviated memory deficits induced by the 21

consecutive days of restraint stress. Chronic restraint stress elicited a decreased rate of

alternation in the Y-maze test, declined retention of memory of water maze testing. These

effects were reversed by exercise intervention over three weeks (Fig. 3), suggesting that this

experimental paradigm was appropriate for exploring the potential role of exercise in

alleviating chronic stress-induced memory deficits. This result was consistent with our

previous findings that prolonged exercise elicited memory improvement in chronically

restrained mice, although the exercise regimen used was different between both of studies

(Kwon et al., 2013).

Chronic physical or psychological stress can lead to abnormal morphology and function of

hippocampal neurons, which may be attributed to altered synthesis of proteins involved in

synaptic plasticity (Kasai et al., 2010; Surget et al., 2011; Zhu et al., 2014). In the current

study, synaptophysin and PSD-95 levels were profoundly reduced by chronic stress and this

decrease was reversed by regular and prolonged exercise (Fig. 4B). Synaptophysin and PSD-

95 are mainly localized in pre- and post-synaptic regions, playing a crucial role in regulating

synaptic transmission and organizing post-synaptic densities. Reduced object novelty

recognition and impaired spatial learning performance are evident in synaptophysin knockout

mice (Schmitt et al., 2009). PSD-95 contributes to synaptic formation and stabilization, and

participates in the synaptic trafficking of -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic

acid (AMPA) receptors that modulate excitatory synaptic transmission (El-Husseini et al.,

2000; Henley JM and Wilkinson KA, 2013). The aforementioned results support our theory

that chronic stress causes reduced hippocampal synaptophysin and PSD-95 levels. Since


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these proteins regulate synaptic transmission, strength, and plasticity, a reduction in levels of

synaptophysin and PSD-95 could likely impair hippocampal dependent learning and memory

function. The results of this study suggest that stress-induced memory impairments can be

reversed by exercise, which implies that regular, prolonged physical activity can restore the

reduced expression of both synaptic proteins, resulting in the improved efficacy of neuronal

information transfer and affecting cognitive behavior.

Neurons consume a large amount of energy to perform their physiological functions.

Abnormalities of hippocampal energy metabolism are strongly associated with

neurocognitive deficits that result from -amyloid accumulation and chronic stress (Park et

al., 2013; Cao et al., 2014). AMPK modulates cellular energy homeostasis as a transcriptional

regulator in response to ATP depletion, metabolic stresses, intracellular Ca2+

levels, and

exercise (Culmsee et al., 2001; McCullough et al., 2005; Woods et al., 2005; Hardie, 2007;

Kobilo et al., 2015a, 2015b). Our data showed that hippocampal phospho-AMPK levels were

markedly reduced by chronic stress and this decrease was subsequently reversed by exercise

intervention (Fig. 4A). The role of AMPK in cognitive functions has been previously

described by a number of researchers (Dagon et al., 2005; Cao et al., 2014; Zhu et al., 2014).

The above-addressed findings supported our result that chronic stress inactivates

hippocampal AMPK and that regular and prolonged exercise counter-regulates chronic stress-

induced deficits.

This chronic stress-provoked hippocampal reduction of AMPK activity may be associated

with HPA axis abnormality. Serum corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone

(ACTH) levels was in chronic stressed mice significantly higher than in control mice at the

rest, when CORT and ACTH were measured 2 days after the 21 consecutive day of restraint

stress (Fig. 5A). This result suggests that chronic stress induces the sustained hypothalamic-

pituitary-adrenal (HPX) axis activation, which the persisted increase in CORT may affect


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hippocampal AMPK activity. On the other hand, regular exercise didnt alter basal levels of

both CORT and ACTH, suggesting that regular exercise didnt affect basal HPX axis activity

(Fig. 5B). In our study, AMPK phosphorylation behavior corresponds well to hippocampal

mature BDNF expression. BDNF is a neurotrophic molecule contributing to neuronal growth,

development, plasticity, survival, neuroprotection, and repair, which when stimulated, may

act to improve cognitive ability (Conner et al., 1997; Duman and Monteggia, 2006). To

confirm AMPK-mediated BDNF induction, we analyzed mature BDNF protein levels in

primary hippocampal cell cultures treated with AMPK agonist AICAR and antagonist

Compound C. The mature form of BDNF and phospho-AMPK protein levels were enhanced

in dose-dependent manner by AICAR treatment (Fig. 6A), which was reversed by Compound

C treatment (Fig. 6B). Moreover, 7 days of treatment with AICAR enhanced hippocampal

mature BDNF and phospho-AMPK expression, concomitant with the increase in alternation

in the Y-maze test and the decrease in escape latency in water maze test (Fig. 7). The escape

latency was reduced on day 4-5 in mice treated with ALCAR at 500 mg/kg, but not 100-300

mg/kg (Fig. 8). Although AICAR has low permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB),

our study demonstrated an increase in hippocampal AMPK activation. There are two possible

reasons for this change. First, in spite of low permeability across the BBB, a small quantity of

permeable AICAR might linger in the extracellular space due to a limited capacity for

reuptake and degradation. Second, enhanced memory function following intraperitoneal

injection of AICAR both in this study and another (Kobilo et al., 2015b) may be attributed to

release of myokines in the muscles. These secretory molecules may pass across the BBB and

indirectly affect cognitive function (Sakuma and Yamaguchi, 2011; Pedersen and Febbraio,

2012). Judging from our results and other findings, systematically circulating AICAR likely

influences hippocampal AMPK activity, whether directly or indirectly. Several studies have

demonstrated that AMPK activation induces BDNF expression (Yoon et al., 2008; Autry et al.,


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2011; Xu et al., 2013). AMPK activation suppresses 3-hydroxy-3-methylgutaryl coenzyme A

reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, thereby restoring ATP levels

by reducing fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis (Hardie, 2003). More recently, a study

demonstrated that statin, a selective inhibitor for HMG-CoA reductase, facilitates CREB-

mediated BDNF induction via its binding to PPAR, and therefore causes an improvement in

memory function (Roy et al., 2015). These articles support the results of this study,

suggesting an important role for hippocampal AMPK-mediated BDNF induction in the

improvement of memory function. This suggests that regular and prolonged exercise induces

hippocampal AMPK activation and exerts a neurotrophic effect on surrounding tissue,

thereby promoting memory function in chronically stressed mice. To further explore the role

of hippocampal AMPK with regard to exercise-induced changes in memory function, mice

were intraperitoneally administrated with Compound C, an AMPK antagonist during

treadmill running in chronically stressed mice (Fig. 9A). Enhanced memory in exercised mice

relative to control mice was reversed by Compound C treatment (Fig. 9B). Furthermore, to

investigate the role of AMPK in hippocampal neurogenesis as well as BDNF, synaptophysin,

and PSD-95 mRNA levels in chronically stressed mice, we measured hippocampal

neurogenesis (Ki-67: a proliferating marker, doublecortin: a differentiating marker) and the

mRNA levels of BDNF, synaptophysin, and PSD-95 in hippocampus (Fig. 10-11). Chronic

stress-produced decrease in Ki-67- and doublecortin-positive cells, BDNF, synaptophysin,

and PSD-95 mRNA levels were reversed by exercise intervention. However, exercise-exerted

these changes were suppressed by Compound C treatment. This result suggests that AMPK

activity may contribute to hippocampal neurogenesis as well as BDNF, synaptophysin, PSD-

95 expression in hippocampus of chronically restrained mice, which exercise-modulated

hippocampal AMPK activity may play crucial role in hippocampal neurogenesis and the

expression of BDNF and synaptic proteins. Collectively, pharmacological manipulation of


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AMPK activity suggests that AMPK is heavily involved in the memory side effects of

exercise such as enhancement of memory function. Additionally, hippocampal AMPK

activation is at least partly required for the induction of exercise-induced neurotrophic effects

such as BDNF expression.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no financial and non-financial competing interests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was supported by Wonkwang University in 2014 and grants from the National

Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Korean Government (NRF-

2013R1A1A2062984)..

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Figure Legends

Figure 1. A 21-day of restraint stress (6h/day) caused memory decline and this effect

continued up to 4 weeks, but not 2-3 h/day.

A. Quantitative analysis of the escape latency on the final day of water maze testing. The

escape latency of stressed mice was enhanced compared with that of control mice on day 28

(for 2h/21d t14= -0.87, p > 0.05; for 3h/21d t14= -1.90, p > 0.05; for 6h/21d t14= -5.71.90, p

> 0.01).

B. Quantitative analysis of the escape latency on the final day of water maze testing. The


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escape latency of stressed mice was enhanced compared with that of control mice on day 28

(t14= -11.20, p < 0.01) and 53 (t14 = -9.98, p < 0.01).

Data are presented as the mean SEM. ** denote differences at p < 0.01.

Figure 2. Pre-exercise for the acclimation to treadmill running did not affect memory

ability measured by Y-maze test.

A. 21-days of exercise intervention improved memory function, but not 7-days of exercise.

a. Experimental design. Mice were subjected to 7-day (19 m/min, 1 h/day) or 21-day (19

m/min, 1 h/day, 6 day/week) treadmill running 2 days after pre-exercise. Y-maze test was

assessed 2 or 9 days after the last exercise intervention, independently.

b. Quantitative analysis of Y-maze test. A 7-day exercise intervention did not change rates of

alternation in the Y-maze test. However, the 21-day exercise regimen enhanced alternation of

Y-maze test 2 and 9 days after the last exercise intervention (for 7-day Ex, t12= 0.13, p > 0.05;

for 21-day Ex, post-day 2, t12= -3.74, p < 0.01; for 21-day Ex, post-day 9, t 12= -2.82, p 0.05).


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Data are presented as the mean SEM.

Data are presented as the mean SEM. * and ** denote differences at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01,

respectively.

Figure 3. Regular and prolonged treadmill running ameliorated stress-induced learning

and memory impairment.

A. Experimental design

B. Quantitative analysis of Y-maze and water maze test data

a. Quantitative analysis of Y-maze test data.

b. Quantitative analysis of the escape latency of water maze test.

c. Photomicrograph showing swimming patterns on the final day of water maze testing.

Data are presented as the mean SEM. ** denote differences at p < 0.01, and denote

difference at p < 0.01 from CON.

Figure 4. Regular and prolonged treadmill running reversed chronic stress-elicited

reduction of hippocampal phospho-AMPK, BDNF, synaptophysin and PSD-95 levels.

A. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal phospho-AMPK and BDNF.

a. Photomicrograph showing western blot data for AMPK and BDNF.

b. Quantitative analysis of phospho-AMPK and BDNF.

B. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal phospho-AMPK and BDNF.

a. Photomicrograph showing western blot data for synaptophysin and PSD-95.

b. Quantitative analysis for synaptophysin and PSD-95.



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Figure 5. Chronic stress caused the sustained serum CORT and ACTH levels, but not

the regular and prolonged exercise.

A. Quantitative analysis of serum CORT and ACTH levels following chronic stress.

a. Experimental design. Mice were subjected to restraint for 21 days (6h/day), followed by

the assess of serum CORT and ACTH levels.

b. Quantitative analysis of serum CORT and ACTH levels. Serum CORT and ACTH levels

were significantly enhanced by chronic restraint stress.

B. Quantitative analysis of serum CORT and ACTH levels following chronic stress.

a. Experimental design. Mice were subjected to treadmill running for 21 days (19 m/min, 1

h/day, 6 day/week), followed by the assess of serum CORT and ACTH levels.

b. Quantitative analysis of serum CORT and ACTH levels. Serum CORT and ACTH levels

were no significantly different between groups.

Figure 6. AICAR treatment upregulated phospho-AMPK and BDNF, which was

reversed by Compound C in hippocampal primary culture.

A. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal phospho-AMPK and BDNF in hippocampal primary

culture treated with AICAR.



B. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal phospho-AMPK and BDNF in hippocampal primary

culture treated with AICAR or/and Compound C.




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respectively.

Figure 7. Intraperitoneal injection of AICAR enhanced alternation in the Y-maze test,

concomitant with hippocampal phospho-AMPK and BDNF levels.

A. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal phospho-AMPK and BDNF levels, and Y-maze test

data

a. Experimental design

b. Photomicrograph showing western blot data and quantitative analysis for hippocampal

phospho-AMPK and BDNF in mice treated with AICAR.

c. Quantitative analysis of Y-maze test data.

B. Quantitative analysis of water maze data

a. Experimental design

b. Quantitative analysis of water maze test


respectively. denote difference from 0 mg/kg at p < 0.01 from 0 mg/kg.

Figure 8. AICAR treatment with 500 mg/kg improved memory function, but not 0-200

mg/kg.

A. Experimental design. Mice were treated with AICAR (0-500 mg/kg) for 7 days, and

subsequently memory function were measured by water maze test 14 days after the last

treatment with AICAR.

B. Quantitative analysis of the escape latency of water maze testing. The escape latency of

mice treated with 500 mg/kg AICAR decreased on day 4-5, but not 100-200 mg/kg.


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Data are presented as the mean SEM. ** denote differences from 0 mg/ kg at p < 0.01.

Figure 9. Compound C treatment during exercise intervention blocked exercise-induced


A. Experimental design

B. Quantitative analysis of water maze test data

a. Quantitative analysis of escape latency of water maze test.

b. Photomicrograph showing swimming patterns on the final day of water maze testing.

Data are presented as the mean SEM. ** denote differences at p < 0.01. and denote

difference from CON and RST+Ex, respectively at p < 0.01 from

Figure 10. Compound C treatment during exercise intervention blocked exercise-

induced enhancement of neurogenesis in mice subjected to restraint.

A. Quantitative analysis of Ki-67-positive cells.

a. Photomicrograph showing immunohistochemical data for Ki-67.

b. Quantitative analysis of Ki-67-positive cells.

A. Quantitative analysis of doublecortin-positive cells.

a. Photomicrograph showing immunohistochemical data for doublecortin.

b. Quantitative analysis of doublecortin-positive cells.


Figure 11. Compound C treatment during exercise intervention blocked exercise-

induced enhancement of BDNF, synaptophysin, and PSD-95 mRNA in mice subjected to


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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Chronic stress causes hippocampal-dependent memory deficit.

Exercise improves memory in chronically stressed mice.

Chronic stress reduces hippocampal AMPK activity, BDNF, and neurogenesis.

Exercise enhances hippocampal AMPK activity in chronically stressed mice.

AMPK is required for exercise-exerted memory and neurogenesis enhancement.

chronic stress-induced memory deficits is reversed by regular exercise via ampk-mediated bdnf...

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