Efeitos de uma sessão de exercício físico agudo na modulação da memória de reconhecimento de ratas fêmeas

Abstract

Memory is a complex cognitive process with distinct stages, such as acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and retrieval. Physical exercise (PE) has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive functions, but the available research is mainly developed with males. So, there is limited knowledge about acute PE's effects on females' memory. This study aimed to investigate the impact of acute PE on memory in female rats and explore potential sex differences in PE memory modulation. Forty-two female Wistar rats were subjected to a novel object recognition (NOR) task, with half of them undergoing a single session of 30 minutes of PE after the learning session (memory acquisition). Behavioral assessments showed that acute PE improved memory persistence in female rats, with increased discrimination of novel objects. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated noradrenaline levels in the hippocampus following acute PE. Notably, the positive effects of acute PE on memory were similar between male and female rats. These findings suggest that acute PE can enhance memory in female rats and underscore the importance of considering sex differences in cognitive research. PE may offer a non-invasive strategy to promote cognitive health in both males and females.