The intriguing and sometimes dramatic effect of exercise on the body,
the brain, and the mind cannot be doubted. Its mechanisms of action,
however, remain unclear. I tell my depressed patients that exercise is
"hot stuff," it raises the core body temperature to 104 degrees, cerebral
circulation increases, metabolism through out the body increases, and
sweating on the brow is the evidence that exercise is working. What does
this have to do with cancer?When carcinogens are injected into rats whose
cage temperature is lowered they must run on treadmills to remain warm:
the cancer rate is much lower than rats whose cages are warm and exercise
less (reference upon request). They tell me the exercising rats look more
handsome, as well.
Robert S. Brown, MD, PhD
Charlottesville
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
09 March 2007
Robert S. Brown
Clinical Professor of Psychiatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia
Rapid Response:
Exercise Works but How?
The intriguing and sometimes dramatic effect of exercise on the body,
the brain, and the mind cannot be doubted. Its mechanisms of action,
however, remain unclear. I tell my depressed patients that exercise is
"hot stuff," it raises the core body temperature to 104 degrees, cerebral
circulation increases, metabolism through out the body increases, and
sweating on the brow is the evidence that exercise is working. What does
this have to do with cancer?When carcinogens are injected into rats whose
cage temperature is lowered they must run on treadmills to remain warm:
the cancer rate is much lower than rats whose cages are warm and exercise
less (reference upon request). They tell me the exercising rats look more
handsome, as well.
Robert S. Brown, MD, PhD
Charlottesville
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests