The mechanism by which exercise modifies brain function

Physiol Behav. 1996 Jul;60(1):177-81. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(96)00011-x.

Abstract

The effect of exercise on central nervous system function was investigated in relation to the mechanism of calcium-calmodulin-dependent dopamine synthesis in the brain. It is shown here through animal experiments that exercise leads to an increase in the calcium level in the brain. This in turn enhances brain dopamine synthesis, and through this increased dopamine modifies and/or affects brain function, which might induce physiological, behavioral, and psychological changes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcoholic Intoxication / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Arousal / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Calmodulin / physiology
  • Dopamine / biosynthesis
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Neostriatum / physiology
  • Nucleus Accumbens / physiology
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Sleep Stages / physiology

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • Calcium
  • Dopamine