LAUSR

&NA; Previously we showed the involvement of the hippocampal noradrenergic system in the consolidation and persistence of object recognition (OR) memory. Here we show that one‐single physical exercise session performed immediately after learning promotes OR memory persistence and increases norepinephrine levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, effects of exercise on memory are avoided by an intra‐hippocampal beta‐adrenergic antagonist infusion. Taken together, these results suggest that exercise effects on memory can be related to noradrenergic mechanisms and acute physical exercise can be a non‐pharmacological intervention to assist memory consolidation and persistence, with few or no side effects. HighlightsAcute physical exercise promotes recognition memory persistence.Physical exercise effects on memory are similar to norepinephrine effects.Acute physical exercise increases norepinephrine levels in hippocampus.