Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of low intensity treadmill training on spatial learning and memory and expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in hippocampus in mice. Methods 24 female C57BL/6J mice of 3 months were assigned into control group (n=12) and exercise group (n=12). They were assessed with Morris Water Maze task 5 months after exercise. The GSK-3β protein and mRNA expressed in hippocampus were determined 1 week after the task. Results The latency and path length to escape onto the hidden platform decreased in the exercise group (P<0.05), while the cross times increased (P<0.05) compared with the control group. The level of GSK-3β mRNA decreased (P<0.05) and ratio of p-GSK-3β-Ser9 to GSK-3β increased (P<0.05) as well. Conclusion Low intensity treadmill exercise may improve the spatial learning and memory in mice, which may down-regulate the expression and activity of GSK-3β.

Key words: treadmill exercise, spatial learning and memory, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, mice