High-intensity training with short and long intervals regulate cortical neurotrophic factors, apoptosis markers and chloride homeostasis in rats with stroke

Background/purpose: The optimal endurance exercise parameters remain to be defined to potentiate long-term functional recovery after stroke. We aim to assess the effects of individualized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with either long or short intervals on neurotrophic factors and their receptors, apoptosis markers and the two-main cation-chloride cotransporters in the ipsi-and contralesional cerebral cortices in rats with cerebral ischemia. Endurance performance and sensorimotor functions were also assessedMethods: Rats with a 2 h transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) performed work-matched HIIT4 (intervals: 4 min) or HIIT1 (intervals: 1 min) on treadmill for 2 weeks. Incremental exercises and sensorimotor tests were performed at day 1 (D1), D8, and D15 after tMCAO. Molecular analyses were achieved in both the paretic and non-paretic triceps brachii muscles and the ipsi-and contralesional cortices at D17Results: Gains in endurance performance are in a time-dependent manner from the first week of training. This enhancement is supported by the upregulation of metabolic markers in both triceps brachii muscles. Both regi-mens alter the expression of neurotrophic markers and chloride homeostasis in a specific manner in the ipsi-and contralesional cortices. HIIT acts on apoptosis markers by promoting anti-apoptotic proteins in the ipsilesional cortexConclusion: HIIT regimens seem to be of clinical relevance in the critical period of stroke rehabilitation by strongly improving aerobic performance. Also, the observed cortical changes suggest an influence of HIIT on neuroplasticity in both ipsi-and contralesional hemispheres. Such neurotrophic markers might be considered as biomarkers of functional recovery in individuals with stroke.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the effects of individualized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on neurotrophic factors, apoptosis markers, and cation-chloride cotransporters in rats with cerebral ischemia. The results showed that HIIT improved aerobic performance and influenced cortical functions through the regulation of neurotrophic factors and chloride homeostasis. These findings suggest that HIIT is clinically relevant for stroke rehabilitation.