Physical exercise and social interaction in complex environments reverse memory deficits induced by inhalants

Abstract

Inhalant abuse is a global issue with major behavioral, cognitive, and social consequences. Some effects of this abuse are observed in memory deficits, but the organism–environment interactions are poorly understood. We propose that studying environmental enrichment (EE) in animal models allows the elucidation of adaptive behavior mechanisms to face harmful effects, as well as plausible translational interventions; however, the effects of the different elements that comprise the complexity of EE must be determined. In this work, we measured the effects of housing under five environments for 4 weeks on memory impairments induced by the repeated administration of toluene in mice (4000 ppm, 30 min/day for 4 weeks). Recognition memory was recovered after housing in a complete enriched environment involving voluntary exercise with running wheels, cognitive stimulation with objects to explore, and social interaction. However, enrichment with only voluntary exercise in social conditions produced a significant memory recovery. In addition, EE in isolation showed fewer beneficial effects, while cognitive stimulation, even under social conditions, did not reverse the memory impairment by itself. We argue that physical exercise and social interaction could derive in cognitive enhancement and be used to advise on psychosocial interventions.

Toluene-Induced Behavioral Sensitization is Attenuated by Voluntary Physical Exercise and Social Interaction

“…In an effort to get a clearer idea of how different the treatments were in attenuating locomotor sensitization and to try to give them a quantitative value, not just qualitative, data were analyzed in terms of the maximum and minimum response observed; accordingly, in Figure 2 results are shown as a percentage of effect. To measure these proportional effects, we proposed a mathematical approach based on a linear regression model, as we previously reported (Mercadillo et al, 2019). For this proposal, we provided an arbitrary 100% value for the EE treatment (the minimum value observed for the locomotor activity) and 0% value for the Standard Housing treatment (maximum value observed for the locomotor activity).…”

“…After the air/toluene exposure stage and for the treatment procedure, mice were kept toluene-free and were housed under one of five environmental conditions for 4 weeks (details previously reported in Mercadillo et al, 2019):1. Standard housing.…”

Physical Exercise, Social Integration, and Urban Hukou Acquisition Decision-Making in China's Floating Population

“…Speci cally, physical exercise has a positive impact on the degree of community integration 18 . This positive effect will be strengthened by an increase in the level of community interaction 19,20 . Some studies have found that the positive relationship between physical exercise and social integration is most signi cant among women 21 .…”