Effect of Exercise on Adult Neurogenesis in Crayfish

Adult neurogenesis, formation of new neurons, has been determined to be a part of the normal physiology in all species of animals studied to date. There have been several factors observed to increase the number of newly formed cells; the most potent of these factors being exercise. Though exercise has a strong effect on neurogenesis by increasing proliferation and new cell survival it has not been extensively studied in many model organisms. This study is the first to look at the effect of exercise on neurogenesis in an invertebrate through the use of crayfish, Orconectes propinquus. Experimental designs, drying protocols and equipment troubleshooting developed here will guide future studies of invertebrate neurogenesis and its relationship to exercise