Abstract <p>The formation of new neural networks and the modificationof pre-existing synaptic contacts underlying learning and memory,largely depend on the transcriptional activity of genes involvedin the regulation of associated processes of neurogliogenesis andapoptosis. At the same time, the identification of changes in genomeactivity, specific to cognitive functions, requires a stressor appraisalas an integral component of all learning models in laboratory animals.The aim of the present study was to compare the expression of genesregulating neurogliogenesis (<i>S100a6</i>, <i>Ascl1</i>) and apoptosis (<i>Apaf1</i>, <i>Bax</i>, <i>Casp3</i>, <i>Bcl2</i>)in animals trained for a spatial skill in the Morris water maze(MWM) and exposed to forced swimming in accordance with the trainingregimen. Experiments were conducted on young adult male Wistar ratsdivided into the following groups: Training (rats trained to finda hidden platform in the MWM over 4&#xa0;days), Control (rats forcedto swim in the MWM without a platform over 4 days), and Naïve (ratsremaining in home cages). In hippocampal, frontal cortex, and cerebellartissues sampled 24 h after the end of MWM experiments, the expressionof the above genes was determined via a real-time polymerase chainreaction. It was found that cognitive activity reduces the expressionof pro-apoptotic genes, which increases under stress conditions,and conversely, stimulates the activity of genes regulating neurogliogenesisand synaptogenesis in structures relevant to various stages of memorytrace formation. The obtained results, along with their theoreticalcontribution, are of interest for identifying targets for the goal-directedtherapy of cognitive impairments.</p>