[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

Topic: F.02.d. Cognitive learning and memory systems
Support: Grant from Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Title: Intake of pre-germinated brown rice increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in
the brain, and enhances spatial learning in mice
Authors: *H. YANAMOTO 1,2 , S. MIYAMOTO 3 , Y. NAKAJO 1,2 , T. HORI 1 , Y. NAKANO 1,4 ;
1 Lab. Cerebrovasc Disorders, Res. Inst. of Natl. Cardiovasc. Ctr., Suita, Japan; 2 Cardiovasc. Sci.,
Osaka Univ. Grad. Sch. of Med., Suita, Japan; 3 Neurosurg., Natl. Cardiovasc. Ctr., Suita, Japan;
4 Rakuwakai Otowa Hosp., Kyoto, Japan
Abstract: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve growth factor widely
distributed in the brain, has been known to modulate synaptic plasticity, contributing to
learning and memory consolidation. BDNF also participates in the regulation of appetite
and glucose metabolism. Based on these mechanisms of BDNF, development of a safe
method to increase BDNF in the brain is expected to have utility in the enhancement of
learning and memory, and in improving impaired glucose metabolism and obesity. It has
been suggested that the intake of pre-germinated brown rice, called "Hatsuga-genmai",
improves memory and reduces obesity. Here, we investigated the effects of daily intake of
pre-germinated brown rice on BDNF levels in the brain, spatial learning, and body weight
gain. Adult male mice (C57BL/6J), 7 weeks old, were fed pre-germinated brown rice, or
conventional food for mice (CE-2, CLEA) as a control, over 6 weeks. At the end of the
period, BDNF levels in the brain were analyzed using ELISA. The protein concentration in
each sample was measured to standardize the BDNF levels. Alterations in spatial learning
were analyzed by the Morris water maze test (MWM). This analysis consisted of 5 sessions
over consecutive 5 days. Feeding with pre-germinated brown rice significantly increased
BDNF levels in the brain compared with control. The levels were 0.85 ± 0.22 ng/mg protein
and 0.74 ± 0.13 ng/mg protein, respectively (mean ± s.d., n = 25, P < 0.05, unpaired t-test).
Pre-germinated brown rice also improved escape latency, i.e. the time needed to reach the
hidden platform in the MWM compared with control; 31.2 ± 6.4 sec or 69.5 ± 16.9 sec,
respectively (mean ± s.e.m. in the 2-5 session, n = 25, P < 0.05, unpaired t-test). It also
suppressed body weight gain compared with control; 23.4 ± 1.4 g or 27.5 ± 1.1 g,
respectively (mean ± s.d., n = 25, P < 0.001, unpaired t-test). In conclusion, constant daily
intake of pre-germinated brown rice was found to increase BDNF levels in the brain,
improve spatial learning, and suppress age-dependent natural body weight gain.
Disclosures: Y. Nakajo, None; S. Miyamoto, None; H. Yanamoto , None; T. Hori, None; Y.
Nakano, None.
Poster
292. Acetylcholine, Neurotrophins, and Cognition