Effects of bilateral microinjections of ibotenic acid into neostriatal region and forced exercise on spatial learning and memory and anthropometric characteristics of male rats

Abstract

Introduction: Striatum is the major input site of the basal ganglia. Lesion of striatum caused motor and cognitive impairments. Recent evidence has suggested that physical activity can improve cognitive and learning disorders caused by brain damage. The present study examined the effect of bilateral microinjections of ibotenic acid in neostriatum of the BG and forced treadmill exercise on anthropometric characteristics and learning and spatial memory of male rats. Materials and Methods: 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control, Sham-lesioned, Lesioned, Exercise, Exercise + Sham-lesioned and Exercise + lesioned. Lesion was made by bilateral microinjection of ibotenic acid into neostriatum. The exercise groups were subjected to a protocol of running on a treadmill for four weeks Results: Findings showed that ibotonic acid microinjection significantly decreased learning and spatial memory (P