TNF signalling via the TNF receptors mediates the effects of exercise on cognition-like behaviours.

Abstract

Background: Altered TNF levels are associated with cognitive impairment in depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exercise improves cognition-like behaviours, reduces the expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF), and increases expression of the soluble TNF receptors soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1) and sTNFR2. We suggest TNF and its receptors are involved in cognitive function and dysfunction, and investigate whether exercise mediates its effects on cognitive function via TNF and its receptors. Methods: We utilised C57BL/6, TNF−/−, TNFR1−/−, and TNFR2−/− mice to compare exercise to non-exercise control groups to investigate whether exercise exerts its effect..