The effects of running-induced neuronal activation on the plastic expression of mouse cerebral GLUTI

Abstract

Glucose, the predominant energy substrate of the central and peripheral nervous system, is delivered to neurons via a family of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs). The majority of glucose is transported to the brain via GLUT1 located at the blood-brain barrier. Several types of memory and learning tasks leading to changes in neuronal activity have also been linked to increases in glucose demand and local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU). Current research has indicated a corresponding change in GLUT1 expression in response to increased metabolic demand in operant tasks. However, concomitant neuronal structural plasticity has not been currently investigated. In addition to operant learning tasks, voluntary running has also been identified as a source of neuronal activation. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of neuronal activation induced by voluntary running on the plastic expression of GLUT1 and the concomitant remodeling of neurons in the mouse brain.