TNF signaling via TNF receptors does not mediate the effects of short-term exercise on cognition, anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in middle-aged mice

Abstract

Background: We recently reported that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling via the TNFR1 and TNFR2 receptors mediates the effects of long-term exercise on locomotion, cognition and anxiety, but not depressive-like behavior. We now investigated whether the TNF signaling via its receptors also mediates the effects of short-term exercise on cognition, anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. Methods: Thirteen-month-old C57BL/6 (WT), TNF−/−, TNFR1−/−, and TNFR2−/− mice were provided with 4 weeks of voluntary wheel running followed by behavioral testing using an established behavioral battery. Each genotype had a respective non-exercise control. Results: There was no interaction between genotype a..