Exercise-induced activation of ventromedial hypothalamic steroidogenic factor-1 neurons mediates improvements in endurance

Activation of the central nervous system following exercise is essential for subsequent endurance performance and metabolic benefits.

• Repeated exercise leads to remodeling of skeletomuscular, cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine systems.
• Activation of ventromedial hypothalamic steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) neurons occurs after exercise and increases with repeated training.
• Exercise training enhances the excitability and density of synapses on SF1 neurons.
• Inhibition of SF1 neuron output may block endurance gains and metabolic improvements from exercise.
• Stimulation of SF1 neurons after exercise could enhance endurance gains.

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