The Effects of Mid-Term Running Activity on Passive Avoidance Learning and Memory in Opioid Addicted Rats



Haghighi SK¹ ; Mahdavi MRV² ; Reisi P³ ; Alaei H³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2009

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown an association between opioid addiction and impairments in learning and memory. Due to the fact that exercise has positive effects on many physiological systems, including the central nervous system, the present study, evaluated the effects of treadmill running on learning and memory in opioid addicted rats. Methods: Forty two male wistar rats (300-350 g) were divided into four groups, the control group, the control-exercise group, the morphine group and the morphine-exercise group. In Morphine-treated groups, Morphine was injected intraperitonealy as follow: first 3 days 10 mg/kg, next 3 days 20 mg/kg and during the last 3 days 40 mg/kg. In exercise groups, the exercise program was treadmill running at 17 meters per minute (m/min) at 7° inclination for 60 minutes per day (min/day), 7 days/week, for 3 months. Passive avoidance learning and memory was investigated by shuttle box in the rats after 3 months of addiction and exercise. Findings: Data showed that learning and memory was impaired significantly in the morphine-rest group with respect to the control group; however, exercise has improved learning and memory in the morphine-exercise group and in the control-exercise group. Conclusion: The present results suggest that learning and memory is affected under the condition of morphine addiction, but treadmill running prevents these effects. The data correspond to the possibility that treadmill running is helpful in the prevention and alleviation of the cognitive decline in opioid addiction. © 2009, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.