A brief primer on the mediational role of BDNF in the exercise‐memory link
Abstract
One of the most amazing aspects of the human brain is its ability to learn information and use it to change behaviour. A key neurotrophin that influences memory function is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This review briefly discusses the mechanistic role that BDNF may play in facilitating learning and memory. We also describe the role of exercise on this relationship. As discussed herein, BDNF may influence memory via BDNF-induced alterations in membrane receptor expression and translocation, as well as activating several pathways (PLC-y, PI3K, ERK) that act together to facilitate cellular effects that influence synaptic plasticity. Exercise may help to facilitate BDNF expression and its downstream cellular pathways from both direct and indirect mechanisms.
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BDNF appears to play a dominant role in mediating the effects of exercise on the hippocampus.
“BDNF appears to play a dominant role in mediating the effects of exercise on hippocampus (86).”
From Muscle–Organ Crosstalk: The Emerging Roles of Myokines (2020) · cites this paper as [86]
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“BDNF appears to play a dominant role in mediating the effects of exercise on hippocampus (86).”
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- Authors
- Loprinzi, P. D., & Frith, E.
- Affiliations
- University of Mississippi (US)
- Corresponding author
- Loprinzi, Paul D.
- Venue
- Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2018-05-02
- Volume
- 39
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 9-14
- ISSN
- 1475-0961 (ISSN-L)
- 1475-097X
- OpenAlex
- W2802496934
- Cited by
- 116
- References
- 63
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 12
- FWCI
- 2.27
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Nerve injury and regeneration
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Keywords
- brain-derived neurotrophic factor, physical activity, memory, learning, synaptic plasticity, PI3K signaling, ERK signaling, neurotrophins
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Behavior, Animal, Brain, Humans, Memory, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Signal Transduction, Exercise, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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