Mechanisms Associated With Physical Activity Behavior: Insights From Rodent Experiments

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2017 Oct;45(4):217-222. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000124.

Abstract

Dopaminergic signaling differences in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) seemingly predispose rats to adopt different physical activity behaviors. Physical activity behavior also may be regulated through peripheral mechanisms (i.e., muscle and fat derived as well as hormonal signals). We hypothesize that physical activity behavior is regulated by the convergence of central and peripheral mechanisms onto the NAcc.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / physiology*
  • Motor Activity*
  • Nucleus Accumbens / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction