ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how different forms of exercise influence neurotransmission and how neurotrophic factors and especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) respond to an exercise stimulus, forming the basis for learning and memory. Monoaminergic neurons modulate a wide range of functions in the central nervous system. Noradrenergic neurons are involved in cardiovascular function, sleep and analgesic responses, while dopaminergic neurons are linked with motor function and serotonergic activity is associated with pain, fatigue, appetite and sleep. The locus coeruleus is quantitatively the most important noradrenergic nucleus in the brain. Acute and chronic exercise will influence neurotransmitter release, and therefore also several motor functions, movement initiation, and control of locomotion, as well as emotions and cognitive functions. The first studies examined the effects of exercise on brain homogenates post exercise. Recently, air pollution exposure has been linked to adverse effects on the brain such as cognitive decline, neuroinflammation and neuropathology.
