Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Spatial Memory in Male Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

yousef ghaffari ¹ (Ph.D. Student of Exercise Physiology, Department of Sport Science, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.)
farzad zehsaz ² (Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Humanities, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.)
M.A Nourazar ³ (Associate Professor, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.)
Hassan Purrazi ⁴ (Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.)
Daryoush Mohajeri ⁵ (Professor, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.)

Submited date : 2023-04-08 accepted date : 2023-12-06

Keywords: Parkinson, spatial memory, high intensity interval training (HIIT), Acetyl-L-carnitine,

Abstract :

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra region of the brain, resulting in memory impairment. Regular exercise has been shown to modulate oxidative stress, reduce brain damage, enhance hippocampal neurogenesis, and improve spatial memory. Acetyl-L-carnitine, known for its protective and antioxidant properties, can enhance brain function. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation on substantia nigra tissue in a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. A total of 36 male rats, weighing 270±20 g, were randomly divided into six equal groups: control healthy, surgical sham, Parkinsonian (unilateral single injection of 6-hydroxydopamine in the substantia nigra at 12.5 µg/ml), HIIT (8 weeks, 5 sessions per week), acetyl-L-carnitine (100 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks by gavage), and concurrent acetyl-L-carnitine + HIIT (similar regimen as groups 4 and 5). Spatial memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze test, and after euthanasia, brain tissue was collected to assess pathological changes in the hippocampus. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests with a significance level of p<0.05, employing SPSS 23 software.Parkinson's disease induction resulted in reduced spatial memory indices. HIIT and acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved spatial memory factors (p<0.05). Statistically, the combined HIIT and acetyl-L-carnitine treatment demonstrated the most substantial improvement in spatial memory indices. This study suggests that concurrent HIIT and acetyl-L-carnitine treatment can enhance spatial memory and ameliorate pathological changes in the hippocampus of Parkinson's disease rats.