Increased production of the TrkB protein tyrosine kinase receptor after brain insults

Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Over-Expressing BDNF Protect the Brain from Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Neuronal Death, Neurological Deficits, and Cognitive Impairments

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes transitory or permanent neurological and cognitive impairments, which can intensify over time due to secondary neuronal death. However, no therapy currently exists that can effectively treat brain injury following TBI. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of irradiated engineered human mesenchymal stem cells over-expressing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which we denote by BDNF-eMSCs, in protecting the brain against neuronal death, neurological deficits, and cognitive impairment in TBI rats. BDNF-eMSCs were administered directly into the left lateral ventricle of the brain in rats that received TBI damage. A single administration of BDNF-eMSCs reduced TBI-induced neuronal death and glial activation in the hippocampus, while repeated administration of BDNF-eMSCs reduced not only glial activation and delayed neuronal loss but also enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis in TBI rats. In addition, BDNF-eMSCs reduced the lesion area in the damaged brain of the rats. Behaviorally, BDNF-eMSC treatment improved the neurological and cognitive functions of the TBI rats. The results presented in this study demonstrate that BDNF-eMSCs can attenuate TBI-induced brain damage through the suppression of neuronal death and increased neurogenesis, thus enhancing functional recovery after TBI, indicating the significant therapeutic potential of BDNF-eMSCs in the treatment of TBI.

The potential neuroprotective effects of stingless bee honey

Tropical Meliponini bees produce stingless bee honey (SBH). Studies have shown beneficial properties, including antibacterial, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, neurotherapeutic, neuroprotective, wound, and sunburn healing capabilities. High phenolic acid and flavonoid concentrations offer SBH its benefits. SBH can include flavonoids, phenolic acids, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, organic acids, amino acids, and protein, depending on its botanical and geographic origins. Ursolic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid may diminish apoptotic signals in neuronal cells, such as nuclear morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation. Antioxidant activity minimizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and lowers oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation by decreasing enzymes generated during inflammation. Flavonoids in honey reduce neuroinflammation by decreasing proinflammatory cytokine and free radical production. Phytochemical components in honey, such as luteolin and phenylalanine, may aid neurological problems. A dietary amino acid, phenylalanine, may improve memory by functioning on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways. Neurotrophin BDNF binds to its major receptor, TrkB, and stimulates downstream signaling cascades, which are crucial for neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Through BDNF, SBH can stimulate synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis, promoting learning and memory. Moreover, BDNF contributes to the adult brain's lasting structural and functional changes during limbic epileptogenesis by acting through the cognate receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB). Given the higher antioxidants activity of SBH than the Apis sp. honey, it may be more therapeutically helpful. There is minimal research on SBH's neuroprotective effects, and the related pathways contribute to it is unclear. More research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular process of SBH on BDNF/TrkB pathways in producing neuroprotective effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Beta-Caryophyllene Mediated by the Involvement of TRPV1, BDNF and trkB in the Rat Cerebral Cortex after Hypoperfusion/Reperfusion

We have previously shown that bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion (BCCAO/R) is a model to study early hypoperfusion/reperfusion-induced changes in biomarkers of the tissue physiological response to oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus in this study, we investigate with immunochemical assays if a single dose of beta-caryophyllene (BCP), administered before the BCCAO/R, can modulate the TRPV1, BDNF, and trkB receptor in the brain cortex; the glial markers GFAP and Iba1 were also examined. Frontal and temporal-occipital cortical regions were analyzed in two groups of male rats, sham-operated and submitted to BCCAO/R. Six hours before surgery, one group was gavage fed a dose of BCP (40 mg/per rat in 300 μL of sunflower oil), the other was pre-treated with the vehicle alone. Western blot analysis showed that, in the frontal cortex of vehicle-treated rats, the BCCAO/R caused a TRPV1 decrease, an increment of trkB and GFAP, no change in BDNF and Iba1. The BCP treatment caused a decrease of BDNF and an increase of trkB levels in both sham and BCCAO/R conditions while inducing opposite changes in the case of TRPV1, whose levels became higher in BCCAO/R and lower in sham conditions. Present results highlight the role of BCP in modulating early events of the cerebral inflammation triggered by the BCCAO/R through the regulation of TRPV1 and the BDNF-trkB system.

The Roles of Neurotrophins in Traumatic Brain Injury

Neurotrophins are a collection of structurally and functionally related proteins. They play important roles in many aspects of neural development, survival, and plasticity. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to different levels of central nervous tissue destruction and cellular repair through various compensatory mechanisms promoted by the injured brain. Many studies have shown that neurotrophins are key modulators of neuroinflammation, apoptosis, blood–brain barrier permeability, memory capacity, and neurite regeneration. The expression of neurotrophins following TBI is affected by the severity of injury, genetic polymorphism, and different post-traumatic time points. Emerging research is focused on the potential therapeutic applications of neurotrophins in managing TBI. We conducted a comprehensive review by organizing the studies that demonstrate the role of neurotrophins in the management of TBI.

BDNF Overexpression Enhances the Preconditioning Effect of Brief Episodes of Hypoxia, Promoting Survival of GABAergic Neurons

Hypoxia causes depression of synaptic plasticity, hyperexcitation of neuronal networks, and the death of specific populations of neurons. However, brief episodes of hypoxia can promote the adaptation of cells. Hypoxic preconditioning is well manifested in glutamatergic neurons, while this adaptive mechanism is virtually suppressed in GABAergic neurons. Here, we show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) overexpression in neurons enhances the preconditioning effect of brief episodes of hypoxia. The amplitudes of the NMDAR- and AMPAR-mediated Ca²⁺ responses of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons gradually decreased after repetitive brief hypoxia/reoxygenation cycles in cell cultures transduced with the (AAV)-Syn-BDNF-EGFP virus construct. In contrast, the amplitudes of the responses of GABAergic neurons increased in non-transduced cultures after preconditioning. The decrease of the amplitudes in GABAergic neurons indicated the activation of mechanisms of hypoxic preconditioning. Preconditioning suppressed apoptotic or necrotic cell death. This effect was most pronounced in cultures with BDNF overexpression. Knockdown of BDNF abolished the effect of preconditioning and promoted the death of GABAergic neurons. Moreover, the expression of the anti-apoptotic genes Stat3, Socs3, and Bcl-xl substantially increased 24 h after hypoxic episodes in the transduced cultures compared to controls. The expression of genes encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 also increased. In turn, the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax, Casp-3, and Fas) and pro-inflammatory (IL-1β and TNFα) genes decreased after hypoxic episodes in cultures with BDNF overexpression. Inhibition of vesicular BDNF release abolished its protective action targeting inhibition of the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, thus promoting their death. Bafilomycin A1, Brefeldin A, and tetanus toxin suppressed vesicular release (including BDNF) and shifted the gene expression profile towards excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis. These inhibitors of vesicular release abolished the protective effects of hypoxic preconditioning in glutamatergic neurons 24 h after hypoxia/reoxygenation cycles. This finding indicates a significant contribution of vesicular BDNF release to the development of the mechanisms of hypoxic preconditioning. Thus, our results demonstrate that BDNF plays a pivotal role in the activation and enhancement of the preconditioning effect of brief episodes of hypoxia and promotes tolerance of the most vulnerable populations of GABAergic neurons to hypoxia/ischemia.

Resveratrol Regulates BDNF, trkB, PSA-NCAM, and Arc Expression in the Rat Cerebral Cortex after Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion

The polyphenol resveratrol (RVT) may drive protective mechanisms of cerebral homeostasis during the hypoperfusion/reperfusion triggered by the transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion (BCCAO/R). This immunochemical study investigates if a single dose of RVT modulates the plasticity-related markers brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the tyrosine kinase trkB receptor, Polysialylated-Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (PSA-NCAM), and Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated (Arc) protein in the brain cortex after BCCAO/R. Frontal and temporal-occipital cortical regions were examined in male Wistar rats randomly subdivided in two groups, sham-operated and submitted to BCCAO/R. Six hours prior to surgery, half the rats were gavage fed a dose of RVT (180 mg·kg⁻¹ in 300 µL of sunflower oil as the vehicle), while the second half was given the vehicle alone. In the frontal cortex of BCCAO/R vehicle-treated rats, BDNF and PSA-NCAM decreased, while trkB increased. RVT pre-treatment elicited an increment of all examined markers in both sham- and BCCAO/R rats. No variations occurred in the temporal-occipital cortex. The results highlight a role for RVT in modulating neuronal plasticity through the BDNF-trkB system and upregulation of PSA-NCAM and Arc, which may provide both trophic and structural local support in the dynamic changes occurring during the BCCAO/R, and further suggest that dietary supplements such as RVT are effective in preserving the tissue potential to engage plasticity-related events and control the functional response to the hypoperfusion/reperfusion challenge.

Juvenile cerebral ischemia reveals age-dependent BDNF-TrkB signaling changes: Novel mechanism of recovery and therapeutic intervention

Global ischemia in childhood often leads to poor neurologic outcomes, including learning and memory deficits. Using our novel model of childhood cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR), we investigate the mechanism of ischemia-induced cognitive deficits and recovery. Memory is impaired seven days after juvenile CA/CPR and completely recovers by 30 days. Consistent with this remarkable recovery not observed in adults, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is impaired 7-14 days after CA/CPR, recovering by 30 days. This recovery is not due to the replacement of dead neurons (neurogenesis), but rather correlates with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, implicating BDNF as the molecular mechanism underlying impairment and recovery. Importantly, delayed activation of TrkB receptor signaling reverses CA/CPR-induced LTP deficits and memory impairments. These data provide two new insights (1) endogenous recovery of memory and LTP through development may contribute to improved neurological outcome in children compared to adults and (2) BDNF-enhancing drugs speed recovery from pediatric cardiac arrest during the critical school ages.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and epilepsy: a systematic review

Several in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies imply brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Aim of our work is to report the most important findings regarding BDNF and its potential role in epilepsy. We targeted those publications addressing both in vitro and in vivo evidences of relationship between BDNF and epilepsy. Basic researches, randomized trials, cohort studies, and reviews were contemplated to give a breadth of clinical data. Medline, CENTRAL, and Science Direct were searched till August 2017 using keywords agreed by the authors. Together with a defined role in developmental and mature brain, BDNF has excitatory effects in neuronal cultures and animal brain slices. Furthermore, both BDNF and its conjugated receptor (i.e. Tropomyosin receptor kinase B or TrkB) are increased in animal models and humans with epilepsy, particularly in the temporal and hippocampal areas. Acute injection of BDNF in brain of mice induces seizures, which are almost or totally abolished blocking its transcription and pathway. Chronic infusion of BDNF is conversely associated with a decreased neuronal excitability, probably via several mechanism including an increase in central levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), altered conductance of chloride, and downregulation of TrkB. While genetic studies are inconclusive, serum BDNF is more frequently higher in patients with epilepsy and appears to be correlated to severity of disease. Current evidences suggest that inhibiting BDNF-TrkB signaling and reinforcing the NPY system could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for epilepsy, especially for temporal lobe epilepsy.

Cortistatin-expressing interneurons require TrkB signaling to suppress neural hyper-excitability

Signaling of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) via tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) plays a critical role in the maturation of cortical inhibition and controls expression of inhibitory interneuron markers, including the neuropeptide cortistatin (CST). CST is expressed exclusively in a subset of cortical and hippocampal GABAergic interneurons, where it has anticonvulsant effects and controls sleep slow-wave activity (SWA). We hypothesized that CST-expressing interneurons play a critical role in regulating excitatory/inhibitory balance, and that BDNF, signaling through TrkB receptors on CST-expressing interneurons, is required for this function. Ablation of CST-expressing cells caused generalized seizures and premature death during early postnatal development, demonstrating a critical role for these cells in providing inhibition. Mice in which TrkB was selectively deleted from CST-expressing interneurons were hyperactive, slept less and developed spontaneous seizures. Frequencies of spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs) on CST-expressing interneurons were attenuated in these mice. These data suggest that BDNF, signaling through TrkB receptors on CST-expressing cells, promotes excitatory drive onto these cells. Loss of excitatory drive onto CST-expressing cells that lack TrkB receptors may contribute to observed hyperexcitability and epileptogenesis.

Chronic asthma-induced behavioral and hippocampal neuronal morphological changes are concurrent with BDNF, cofilin1 and Cdc42/RhoA alterations in immature mice

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have found that persistent hypoxia caused by chronic asthma, especially during childhood, affects the development and function of the brain, but the mechanism is unclear. In the present study, BDNF and its signal pathway was investigated in mediating chronic asthma induced-neuronal changes that lead to behavior alterations.

METHODS

The chronic asthma model was induced by sensitization with ovalbumin for more than 9 weeks in immature mice. Morris water maze test (MWMT), open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze test (EPMT) were used to conduct behavioral evaluation. Neuronal morphology in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG was assessed using ImageJ's Sholl plugin and RESCONSTRUCT software. BDNF signaling pathway related molecules was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Chronic asthma does affect the behavioral performances of immature mice evaluated in MWMT, OFT, and EPMT. The analysis by three-dimensional reconstruction software found that following the behavioral alteration of asthmatic mice, dendritic changes also occurred in hippocampal neurons, including shortened dendrite length, significantly reduced number of dendritic branches, decreased density of dendritic spines, and reduced percentage of functional dendritic spine types. At the same time, by immunofluorescence and western blotting, we also found that alterations in dendritic morphology were consistent with activation of cofilin1 and changes in BDNF-Cdc42/RhoA levels. Some of the changes mentioned above can be alleviated by intranasal administration of budesonide.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that response similar to nicotine withdrawal or/and hypoxia induced by childhood chronic asthma enhances the BDNF-Cdc42/RhoA signaling pathway and activates cofilin1, leading to the remodeling of actin, causing the loss of dendritic spines and atrophy of dendrites, eventually resulting in behavioral alterations.

BDNF infusion into the MPN mag is sufficient to restore copulatory behavior in the castrated Syrian hamster

Testosterone plays a key role in the expression of male sex behavior by influencing cellular activity and synapses within the magnocellular medial preoptic nucleus (MPN mag), a sub-nucleus of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) in the Syrian hamster. Although the mechanisms underlying hormonally-induced synaptic plasticity in this region remain elusive, the data suggests that an increase in synaptic density may mediate testosterone's effects on copulation. As brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an integral role in regulating synaptic plasticity and gonadal steroids regulate the levels of BDNF, we hypothesize that BDNF may mediate the effects of gonadal hormones on copulatory behavior. To test this hypothesis, we infused BDNF or controls into the MPN mag of long-term castrates. Our results indicate that BDNF, but not the controls, restored copulatory behavior in castrated male Syrian hamsters. Furthermore, the rise of BDNF expression in the MPOA preceded the rise of synaptophysin following testosterone replacement in castrated males. These data are consistent with our hypothesis, implicating a role for BDNF in mediating testosterone's action on copulation and suggest that the delay in testosterone's restoration of copulation is, in part, due to the delay in the increase of BDNF and synaptophysin.

NTRK2 (TrkB gene) variants and temporal lobe epilepsy: A genetic association study

OBJECTIVE

The NTRK2 gene encodes a member of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor family known as TrkB. It is a membrane-associated receptor with signaling and cellular differentiation properties that has been involved in neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy. We report here the frequencies of NTRK2 allele variants in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to controls without epilepsy and explore the impact of these polymorphisms on major clinical variables in TLE.

METHODS

A case-control study comparing the frequencies of the NTRK2 gene polymorphisms beween 198 TLE Caucasian patients and 200 matching controls without epilepsy. In a second step, the impact of allelic variation on major clinical and electroencephalographic epilepsy variables was evaluated in the group of TLE patients. The following polymorphisms were determined by testing different regions of the NTRK2 gene: rs1867283, rs10868235, rs1147198, rs11140800, rs1187286, rs2289656, rs1624327, rs1443445, rs3780645, and rs2378672. To correct for multiple correlations the level of significance was set at p<0.01.

RESULTS

Patients with TLE showed a statistical trend for increase of the T/T genotype in rs10868235 compared to control (O.R.=1.90; 95%CI=1.17-3.09; p=0.01). Homozygous patients for the A allele in rs1443445 had earlier mean age at onset of seizures, p=0.009 (mean age of 16.6 versus 22.4years). We also observed that the T allele in rs3780645 was more frequent in patients who needed polytheraphy for seizure control than in patients on monotherapy, (O.R.=4.13; 95%CI=1.68-10.29; p=0.001). This finding may reflect an increased difficulty to obtain seizure control in this group of patients. No additional differences were observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with epilepsy showed a trend for a difference in rs10868235 allelic distribution compared to controls without epilepsy. NTRK2 variability influenced age at seizure onset and the pharmacological response to seizure control. As far as we know, this is the first study showing an association between NTKR2 allelic variants in human epilepsy. We believe that further studies in this venue will shade some light on the molecular mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis and in the clinical characteristics of epilepsy.

Glucose concentrations modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor responsiveness of neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is critical for normal energy balance and has been shown to contain high levels of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-receptor kinase B mRNA. Microinjections of BDNF into the PVN increase energy expenditure, suggesting that BDNF plays an important role in energy homeostasis through direct actions in this nucleus. The present study aimed to examine the postsynaptic effects of BDNF on the membrane potential of PVN neurones, and also to determine whether extracellular glucose concentrations modulated these effects. We used hypothalamic PVN slices from male Sprague-Dawley rats to perform whole cell current-clamp recordings from PVN neurones. BDNF was bath applied at a concentration of 2 nmol L^-1 and the effects on membrane potential determined. BDNF caused depolarisations in 54% of neurones (n=25; mean±SEM, 8.9±1.2 mV) and hyperpolarisations in 23% (n=11; -6.7±1.4 mV), whereas the remaining cells were unaffected. These effects were maintained in the presence of tetrodotoxin (n=9; 56% depolarised, 22% hyperpolarised, 22% nonresponders), or the GABA_a antagonist bicuculline (n=12; 42% depolarised, 17% hyperpolarised, 41% nonresponders), supporting the conclusion that these effects on membrane potential were postsynaptic. Current-clamp recordings from PVN neurones next examined the effects of BDNF on these neurones at varying extracellular glucose concentrations. Larger proportions of PVN neurones hyperpolarised in response to BDNF as the glucose concentrations decreased [10 mmol L^-1 glucose 23% (n=11) of neurones hyperpolarised, whereas, at 0.2 mmol L^-1 glucose, 71% showed hyperpolarising effects (n=12)]. Our findings reveal that BDNF has direct GABA_A independent effects on PVN neurones, which are modulated by local glucose concentrations. The latter observation further emphasises the critical importance of using physiologically relevant conditions in an investigation of the central pathways involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

Therapeutic potential of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a small molecular mimics of BDNF for traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem worldwide. Following primary mechanical insults, a cascade of secondary injuries often leads to further neural tissue loss. Thus far there is no cure to rescue the damaged neural tissue. Current therapeutic strategies primarily target the secondary injuries focusing on neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has significant effect in both aspects, promoting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Recently, the flavonoid 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a small TrkB agonist that mimics BDNF function, has shown similar effects as BDNF in promoting neuronal survival and regeneration following TBI. Compared to BDNF, 7,8-DHF has a longer half-life and much smaller molecular size, capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier, which makes it possible for non-invasive clinical application. In this review, we summarize functions of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and studies examining the potential of BDNF and 7,8-DHF as a therapy for TBI.

Neurotrophins: Mechanisms of Action

Within recent years, new cellular, molecular, and genetic techniques have led to an ex plosion of biochemical information about cell growth and regulation. Growth factor recep tor signal transduction and proto-oncogene product function are among the fields that have experienced the most impressive and exciting gains. One important area in which these have merged is in the elucidation of the mechanisms of signal transduction of a class of receptors bearing intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. The basis of the current "De cade of the Brain" has been the expectation that these powerful techniques and discov eries in cell biology would fuel equally exciting discoveries in the function of the brain and the nervous system in general. The neurotrophins are a class of neurotrophic factors that powerfully shape both the developing and the adult brain. The mechanisms of neuro trophin action via their trk receptors, briefly reviewed in this Update, is one area where the groundwork is likely being established for the futures of neurology and psychiatry. The Neuroscientist 1:3-6, 1995

Recurrent Moderate Hypoglycemia Suppresses Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in the Prefrontal Cortex and Impairs Sensorimotor Gating in the Posthypoglycemic Period in Young Rats

Recurrent hypoglycemia is common in infants and children. In developing rat models, recurrent moderate hypoglycemia leads to neuronal injury in the medial prefrontal cortex. To understand the effects beyond neuronal injury, 3-week-old male rats were subjected to 5 episodes of moderate hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration, approx. 30 mg/dl for 90 min) once daily from postnatal day 24 to 28. Neuronal injury was determined using Fluoro-Jade B histochemistry on postnatal day 29. The effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its cognate receptor, tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) expression, which is critical for prefrontal cortex development, were determined on postnatal day 29 and at adulthood. The effects on prefrontal cortex-mediated function were determined by assessing the prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex on postnatal day 29 and 2 weeks later, and by testing for fear-potentiated startle at adulthood. Recurrent hypoglycemia led to neuronal injury confined primarily to the medial prefrontal cortex. BDNF/TrkB expression in the prefrontal cortex was suppressed on postnatal day 29 and was accompanied by lower prepulse inhibition, suggesting impaired sensorimotor gating. Following the cessation of recurrent hypoglycemia, the prepulse inhibition had recovered at 2 weeks. BDNF/TrkB expression in the prefrontal cortex had normalized and fear-potentiated startle was intact at adulthood. Recurrent moderate hypoglycemia during development has significant adverse effects on the prefrontal cortex in the posthypoglycemic period.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor ameliorates learning deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by aβ1-42

An emerging body of data suggests that the early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Because BDNF plays a critical role in the regulation of high-frequency synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, the up-regulation of BDNF may rescue cognitive impairments and learning deficits in AD. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hippocampal BDNF in a rat model of AD produced by a ventricle injection of amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42). We found that a ventricle injection of Aβ1-42 caused learning deficits in rats subjected to the Morris water maze and decreased BDNF expression in the hippocampus. Chronic intra-hippocampal BDNF administration rescued learning deficits in the water maze, whereas infusions of NGF and NT-3 did not influence the behavioral performance of rats injected with Aβ1-42. Furthermore, the BDNF-related improvement in learning was ERK-dependent because the inhibition of ERK, but not JNK or p38, blocked the effects of BDNF on cognitive improvement in rats injected with Aβ1-42. Together, our data suggest that the up-regulation of BDNF in the hippocampus via activation of the ERK signaling pathway can ameliorate Aβ1-42-induced learning deficits, thus identifying a novel pathway through which BDNF protects against AD-related cognitive impairments. The results of this research may shed light on a feasible therapeutic approach to control the progression of AD.

Hyperactivation of BDNF-TrkB signaling cascades in human hypothalamic hamartoma (HH): a potential mechanism contributing to epileptogenesis

AIMS

Although compelling evidence suggests that human hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is intrinsically epileptogenic for gelastic seizures, the molecular mechanisms responsible for epileptogenesis within HH remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that hyperactivation of BDNF-TrkB signaling pathways in surgically resected HH tissue is a possible mechanism for downregulation of KCC2 expression, which in turn underlies GABA-mediated excitation within HH.

METHODS

Activation of three major BDNF-TrkB signaling pathways including MAPKs, Akt, and PLCγ1 were evaluated in surgically resected HH tissue (n = 14) versus human hypothalamic control tissue (n = 8) using combined methodologies of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and electrophysiology.

RESULTS

Our data show that compared with hypothalamic control tissue, in HH tissue, (i) activation of TrkB and expression of mature BDNF are elevated; (ii) MAPKs (including ERK1/2, p38, and JNK), Akt, and PLCγ1 are highly activated; (iii) KCC2 expression is downregulated; and (iv) pharmacological manipulation of TrkB signaling alters HH neuronal firing rate.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that multiple BDNF-TrkB signaling pathways are activated in HH. They act independently or collaboratively to downregulate KCC2 expression, which is the key component for GABA-mediated excitation associated with gelastic seizures.

Alteration in BDNF and its receptors, full-length and truncated TrkB and p75(NTR) following penetrating traumatic brain injury

The evidence that BDNF is involved in neuroprotection, neuronal repair and recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is substantial. We have previously shown that the polymorphism of the human BDNF gene predicts cognitive recovery and outcome following penetrating TBI. The distribution of expression of BDNF and its receptors after penetrating TBI has not been investigated. In this study we examined the expression of these genes in a rat model of penetrating TBI. The injury is produced by a controlled penetration of a 2mm thick needle-shaped object, which is accelerated with a pellet from an air gun. We used in situ hybridization and investigated the mRNA expression of BDNF and its receptors: the full-length and the truncated TrkB and p75(NTR), from 1 day to 8 weeks following penetrating TBI. In addition, the protein level of BDNF in frontal cortex and hippocampus was measured by reverse phase protein microarray (RPPM). The mRNA expression of BDNF and its receptors decreased in the hippocampus in the border zone ipsilateral to the injury while there was an increase in mRNA expression at the contralateral side. The increase in BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus was sustained for 2 weeks following injury, with the highest expression noted in the CA3 cell layer. Furthermore, the protein analysis by RPPM showed increased levels of BDNF in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus up to 2 weeks after TBI. At 8 weeks following injury there was an intense labeling of the truncated TrkB receptor and the p75(NTR) in the area surrounding the cavity. Our study is the first report on the expression of BDNF and its receptors following penetrating TBI and suggests that their expression is altered long after the acute phase of injury. Further studies are needed to investigate if the late expressions of these receptors are beneficial or deleterious. In either case it indicates the possibility to influence the recovery after brain injury during the chronic phase and the development of treatments that may improve the outcome of TBI patients.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes vasculature-associated migration of neuronal precursors toward the ischemic striatum

Stroke induces the recruitment of neuronal precursors from the subventricular zone (SVZ) into the ischemic striatum. In injured areas, de-routed neuroblasts use blood vessels as a physical scaffold to their migration, in a process that resembles the constitutive migration seen in the rostral migratory stream (RMS). The molecular mechanism underlying injury-induced vasculature-mediated migration of neuroblasts in the post-stroke striatum remains, however, elusive. Using adult mice we now demonstrate that endothelial cells in the ischemic striatum produce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin that promotes the vasculature-mediated migration of neuronal precursors in the RMS, and that recruited neuroblasts maintain expression of p75NTR, a low-affinity receptor for BDNF. Reactive astrocytes, which are widespread throughout the damaged area, ensheath blood vessels and express TrkB, a high-affinity receptor for BDNF. Despite the absence of BDNF mRNA, we observed strong BDNF immunolabeling in astrocytes, suggesting that these glial cells trap extracellular BDNF. Importantly, this pattern of expression is reminiscent of the adult RMS, where TrkB-expressing astrocytes bind and sequester vasculature-derived BDNF, leading to the entry of migrating cells into the stationary phase. Real-time imaging of cell migration in acute brain slices revealed a direct role for BDNF in promoting the migration of neuroblasts to ischemic areas. We also demonstrated that cells migrating in the ischemic striatum display higher exploratory behavior and longer stationary periods than cells migrating in the RMS. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms involved in the injury-induced vasculature-mediated migration of neuroblasts recapitulate, at least partially, those observed during constitutive migration in the RMS.

Vascular neuroprotection via TrkB- and Akt-dependent cell survival signaling

The cerebral endothelium can be a vital source of signaling factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor that defends the neuronal parenchyma against stress and injury. But the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully defined. Here, we use cell models to ask how vascular neuroprotection is sustained. Human brain endothelial cells were grown in culture, and conditioned media were transferred to primary rat cortical neurons. Brain endothelial cell-conditioned media activated neuronal Akt signaling and protected neurons against hypoxia and oxygen-glucose deprivation. Blockade of Akt phosphorylation with the PI3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 negated this vascular neuroprotective effect. Upstream of Akt signaling, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor TrkB (neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor, type 2) was involved because depletion with TrkB/Fc eliminated the ability of endothelial-conditioned media to protect neurons against hypoxia. Downstream of Akt signaling, activation of GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta), caspase 9, caspase 3 and Bad pathways were detected. Taken together, these findings suggest that the molecular basis for vascular neuroprotection involves TrkB-Akt signaling that ameliorates neuronal apoptosis. Further investigation of these mechanisms may reveal new approaches for augmenting endogenous vascular neuroprotection in stroke, brain injury, and neurodegeneration.

TrkB inhibition as a therapeutic target for CNS-related disorders

The interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) is involved in fundamental cellular processes including neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival as well as neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. TrkB signaling has been widely associated with beneficial, trophic effects and many commonly used psychotropic drugs aim to increase BDNF levels in the brain. However, it is likely that a prolonged increased TrkB activation is observed in many pathological conditions, which may underlie the development and course of clinical symptoms. Interestingly, genetic and pharmacological studies aiming at decreasing TrkB activation in rodent models mimicking human pathology have demonstrated a promising therapeutic landscape for TrkB inhibitors in the treatment of various diseases, e.g. central nervous system (CNS) disorders and several types of cancer. Up to date, only a few selective and potent TrkB inhibitors have been developed. As such, the use of crystallography and in silico approaches to model BDNF-TrkB interaction and to generate relevant pharmacophores represent powerful tools to develop novel compounds targeting the TrkB receptor.

Neurotoxic (+)-methamphetamine treatment in rats increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B expression in multiple brain regions

Methamphetamine (MA) is an abused stimulant which can result in cognitive deficits and monoamine depletions. Animal models of neurotoxic MA exposure show reductions in dopamine, serotonin, and their associated transporters. MA abuse can result in long-term attention, working memory, and executive function deficits in humans and deficits in route-based egocentric learning, novel object recognition, and novel odor preference in rodents. MA has also been shown to affect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans and rodents. This experiment examined the effects of a MA binge dosing regimen (10 mg/kg x 4 at 2 h intervals, s.c.) in Sprague-Dawley rats on BDNF, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression, and plasma corticosterone. Tissues were collected 1, 7, and 24 h following the last MA dose. Expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA was analyzed using in situ hybridization with cRNA probes. Frontal, parietal, and entorhinal cortical BDNF mRNA expression were increased by MA exposure at all time-points. Increases in BDNF mRNA were also seen in the hippocampal CA1, prefrontal cortex (PFC), piriform cortex, and locus coeruleus but only at specific times. TrkB mRNA expression was modified in several subregions of the hippocampus as well as in PFC and striatum. TH mRNA was increased at the 1 h time-point in the substantia nigra pars compacta with no differences noted at the other times. Corticosterone levels were increased at all three time-points. The findings suggest that BDNF and its receptor may be upregulated as a compensatory mechanism after MA exposure.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and epilepsy--a missing link?

It has been known for some time that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical to normal development of the CNS, and more recently, studies also have documented the ability of BDNF to modify adult CNS structure and function. Therefore, it is no surprise that BDNF has been linked to diseases, such as epilepsy, which may involve abnormal cortical development or altered brain structure and function after maturity. This review evaluates the evidence, particularly from recent studies, that BDNF contributes to the development of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

TrkB/BDNF-dependent striatal plasticity and behavior in a genetic model of epilepsy: modulation by valproic acid

In mice lacking the central domain of the presynaptic scaffold Bassoon the occurrence of repeated cortical seizures induces cell-type-specific plasticity changes resulting in a general enhancement of the feedforward inhibition within the striatal microcircuit. Early antiepileptic treatment with valproic acid (VPA) reduces epileptic attacks, inhibits the emergence of pathological form of plasticity in fast-spiking (FS) interneurons and restores physiological striatal synaptic plasticity in medium spiny (MS) neurons. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor for the induction and maintenance of synaptic plasticity and it is also implicated in the mechanisms underlying epilepsy-induced adaptive changes. In this study, we explore the possibility that the TrkB/BDNF system is involved in the striatal modifications associated with the Bassoon gene (Bsn) mutation. In epileptic mice abnormal striatum-dependent learning was paralleled by higher TrkB levels and an altered distribution of BDNF. Accordingly, subchronic intrastriatal administration of k252a, an inhibitor of TrkB receptor tyrosine kinase activity, reversed behavioral alterations in Bsn mutant mice. In addition, in vitro manipulations of the TrkB/BDNF complex by k252a, prevented the emergence of pathological plasticity in FS interneurons. Chronic treatment with VPA, by reducing seizures, was able to rebalance TrkB to control levels favoring a physiological redistribution of BDNF between MS neurons and FS interneurons with a concomitant recovery of striatal plasticity. Our results provide the first indication that BDNF is involved in determining the striatal alterations occurring in the early-onset epileptic syndrome associated with the absence of presynaptic protein Bassoon.

Proneurotrophins, seizures, and neuronal apoptosis

Neurons respond to numerous factors in their environment that influence their survival and function during development and in the mature brain. Among these factors, the neurotrophins have been shown to support neuronal survival and function, acting primarily through the Trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases. However, recent studies have established that the uncleaved neurotrophin precursors, the proneurotrophins, can be secreted and induce apoptosis via the p75 neurotrophin receptor, suggesting that the balance of secreted mature and proneurotrophins has a critical impact on neuronal survival or death. Epileptic seizures elicit increases in both proneurotrophin secretion and p75(NTR) expression, shifting the balance of these factors toward signaling cell death. This review will discuss the evidence that this ligand-receptor system plays an important role in neuronal loss following seizures.

Increase of GABAA receptor-mediated tonic inhibition in dentate granule cells after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in altered inhibitory neurotransmission, hippocampal dysfunction, and cognitive impairments. GABAergic spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs and mIPSCs) and tonic (extrasynaptic) whole cell currents were recorded in control rat hippocampal dentate granule cells (DGCs) and at 90days after controlled cortical impact (CCI). At 34 degrees C, in CCI DGCs, sIPSC frequency and amplitude were unchanged, whereas mIPSC frequency was decreased (3.10+/-0.84Hz, n=16, and 2.44+/-0.67Hz, n=7, p<0.05). At 23 degrees C, 300nM diazepam increased peak amplitude of mIPSCs in control and CCI DGCs, but the increase was 20% higher in control (26.81+/-2.2pA and 42.60+/-1.22pA, n=9, p=0.031) compared to CCI DGCs (33.46+/-2.98pA and 46.13+/-1.09pA, n=10, p=0.047). At 34 degrees C, diazepam did not prolong decay time constants (6.59+/-0.12ms and 6.62+/-0.98ms, n=9, p=0.12), the latter suggesting that CCI resulted in benzodiazepine-insensitive pharmacology in synaptic GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs). In CCI DGCs, peak amplitude of mIPSCs was inhibited by 100microM furosemide (51.30+/-0.80pA at baseline and 43.50+/-5.30pA after furosemide, n=5, p<0.001), a noncompetitive antagonist of GABA(A)Rs with an enhanced affinity to alpha4 subunit-containing receptors. Potentiation of tonic current by the GABA(A)R delta subunit-preferring competitive agonist THIP (1 and 3microM) was increased in CCI DGCs (47% and 198%) compared to control DGCs (13% and 162%), suggesting the presence of larger tonic current in CCI DGCs; THIP (1microM) had no effect on mIPSCs. Taken together, these results demonstrate alterations in synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA(A)Rs in DGCs following CCI.

Thinking about repairing thinking

The work of Sinden et al. suggests that it may be possible to produce improvement in the “highest” areas of brain function by transplanting brain tissue. What appears to be the limiting factor is not the complexity of the mental process under consideration but the discreteness of the lesion which causes the impairment and the appropriateness and accuracy of placement of the grafted tissue.

Therapeutic uses for neural grafts: Progress slowed but not abandoned

In spite of Stein and Glasier's justifiable conclusion that initial optimism concerning the immediate clinical applicability of neural transplantation was premature, there exists much experimental evidence to support the potential for incorporating this procedure into a therapeutic arsenal in the future. To realize this potential will require continued evolution of our knowledge at multiple levels of the clinical and basic neurosciences.

The structure, operation, and functionality of intracerebral grafts

The concept of structure, operation, and functionality, as they may be understood by clinicians or researchers using neural transplantation techniques, are briefly defined. Following Stein & Glasier, we emphasize that the question of whether an intracerebral graft is really functional should be addressed not only in terms of what such a graft does in a given brain structure, but also in terms of what it does at the level of the organism.

The NGF superfamily of neurotrophins: Potential treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Stein & Glasier suggest embryonic neural tissue grafts as a potential treatment strategy for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. As an alternative, we suggest that the family of nerve growth factor-related neurotrophins and their trk (tyrosine kinase) receptors underlie cholinergic basal forebrain (CBF) and dopaminergic substantia nigra neuron degeneration in these diseases, respectively. Therefore, treatment approaches for these disorders could utilize neurotrophins.

Some practical and theoretical issues concerning fetal brain tissue grafts as therapy for brain dysfunctions

Grafts of embryonic neural tissue into the brains of adult patients are currently being used to treat Parkinson's disease and are under serious consideration as therapy for a variety of other degenerative and traumatic disorders. This target article evaluates the use of transplants to promote recovery from brain injury and highlights the kinds of questions and problems that must be addressed before this form of therapy is routinely applied. It has been argued that neural transplantation can promote functional recovery through the replacement of damaged nerve cells, the reestablishment of specific nerve pathways lost as a result of injury, the release of specific neurotransmitters, or the production of factors that promote neuronal growth. The latter two mechanisms, which need not rely on anatomical connections to the host brain, are open to examination for nonsurgical, less intrusive therapeutic use. Certain subjective judgments used to select patients who will receive grafts and in assessment of the outcome of graft therapy make it difficult to evaluate the procedure. In addition, little long-term assessment of transplant efficacy and effect has been done in nonhuman primates. Carefully controlled human studies, with multiple testing paradigms, are also needed to establish the efficacy of transplant therapy.

Models of neurological defects and defects in neurological models

The transition from research to patient following advances in transplantation research is likely to be disappointing unless it includes a better understanding of critically relevant characteristics of the neurological disorder and improvements in the animal models, particularly the behavioral features. The appropriateness of the model has less to do with the species than with how the species is used.

Brain plasticity after ischemic episode

Brain plasticity describes the potential of the organ for adaptive changes involved in various phenomena in health and disease. A substantial amount of experimental evidence, received in animal and cell models, shows that a cascade of plastic changes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels, is initiated in different regions of the postischemic brain. Underlying mechanisms include neurochemical alterations, functional changes in excitatory and inhibitory synapses, axonal and dendritic sprouting, and reorganization of sensory and motor central maps. Multiple lines of evidence indicate numerous points in which the process of postischemic recovery may be influenced with the aim to restore the full capacity of the brain tissue injured by an ischemic episode.

Neurotrofinas na epilepsia do lobo temporal

INTRODUÇÃO: A neurotrofinas NGF, BDNF, NT-3 e NT-4 são os principais representantes da família das neurotrofinas no sistema nervoso central de mamíferos. Estão presentes em estágios específicos do crescimento e sobrevivência neuronal como a divisão celular, diferenciação e axogênese e também nos processos naturais de morte celular neuronal. A atividade biológica das neurotrofinas é mediada pelos receptores de tropomiosina quinase Trk. NGF ativa principalmente os receptores TrkA, BDNF e NT-4 interagem com os receptores TrkB e NT-3 com TrkC. Todas as NTs também podem se ligar, com menor afinidade, ao receptor p75NTR. Nesta breve revisão serão levantadas as principais evidências sobre o papel e expressão das principais neurotrofinas no hipocampo, com ênfase nas alterações que ocorrem em modelos animais de epilepsia. RESULTADOS: As neurotrofinas parecem ter um papel chave na plasticidade sináptica relacionada à epilepsia, onde elas poderiam agir tanto como fatores promotores da epileptogênese quanto como substâncias anti-epiléptogênicas endógenas. Além disso a expressão dos genes que codificam os fatores neurotróficos e seus receptores pode ser alterada pela atividade de crises em diversos modelos de epilepsia. CONCLUSÃO: Vários estudos têm demonstrado a relação entre a expressão das neurotrofinas e as alterações na plasticidade dos circuitos neuronais que ocorrem após danos cerebrais, tais como a epilepsia. O conhecimento das alterações na expressão das neurotrofinas na plasticidade neuronal pode nos auxiliar a entender como estas moléculas participam dos mecanismos epileptogênicos e dessa forma, dar início ao estudo de novas terapias e ao desenvolvimento de novas drogas que auxiliem no tratamento da epilepsia.

Cellular and molecular neurobiology of brain preconditioning

The tolerant brain which is a consequence of adaptation to repeated nonlethal insults is accompanied by the upregulation of protective mechanisms and the downregulation of prodegenerative pathways. During the past 20 years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that protective mechanisms include increased production of chaperones, trophic factors, and other antiapoptotic proteins. In contrast, preconditioning can cause substantial dampening of the organism's metabolic state and decreased expression of proapoptotic proteins. Recent microarray analyses have also helped to document a role of several molecular pathways in the induction of the brain refractory state. The present review highlights some of these findings and suggests that a better understanding of these mechanisms will inform treatment of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Effects of psychostimulants on neurotrophins implications for psychostimulant-induced neurotoxicity

It is well documented that psychostimulants may alter neuronal function and neurotransmission in the brain. Although the mechanism of psychostimulants is still unknown, it is known that these substances increase extracellular level of several neurotransmitters including dopamine (DA), serotonin, and norepinephrine by competing with monoamine transporters and can induce physical tolerance and dependence. In addition to this, recent findings also suggest that psychostimulants may damage brain neurons through mechanisms that are still under investigation. In the recent years, it has been demonstrated that almost all psychostimulants are able to affect a class of proteins, called neurotrophins, in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). Neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have relevant action on neurons involved in psychostimulant action, such as DA and serotonergic neurons, and can play dual roles: first, in neuronal survival and death, and, second, in activity-dependent plasticity. In this review, we will focalize on the effects of psychostimulants on this class of proteins, which may be implicated, at least in part, in the mechanism of the psychostimulant-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, since altered neurotrophins may participate in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric disorders are common in drug users, one plausible hypothesis is that psychostimulants can cause psychosis through interfering with neurotrophins synthesis and utilization by CNS neurons.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor does not improve recovery after cardiac arrest in rats

Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling are associated with reduced brain injury after cerebral ischemia. In particular, mild hypothermia after cardiac arrest increases BDNF and ERK signaling. This study tested whether intracerebroventricular infusions (0.025 microg/h x 3 days) of BDNF also improved recovery of rats resuscitated from cardiac arrest and maintained at 37 degrees C. BDNF infusions initiated at the time of cardiac arrest did not alter survival, neurological recovery, or histological injury. Separate experiments confirmed that BDNF infusions increased tissue levels of BDNF. However, these infusions did not increase ERK activation in hippocampus. These data suggest that increased BDNF levels are not sufficient to explain the beneficial effects of mild hypothermia after cardiac arrest, and that exogenous BDNF administration does not increase extracellular ERK signaling.

Time window for voluntary exercise-induced increases in hippocampal neuroplasticity molecules after traumatic brain injury is severity dependent

We recently found that an exercise-induced increase in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is dependent when exercise is initiated after traumatic brain injury (TBI). When voluntary exercise was delayed by 2 weeks after a mild fluid-percussion injury (FPI) in rats, an increase in BDNF and an improvement in behavioral outcome were observed. This suggests that following FPI there is a therapeutic window for the implementation of voluntary exercise. To determine if more severely injured animals require more time after TBI before voluntary exercise can increase neuroplasticity, adult male rats with a moderate lateral FPI or sham injury were housed with or without access to a running wheel from post-injury-day (PID) 0-6, 14-20 or 30-36. Rats with a mild injury only had access to the running wheel from PID 0-6 or 14-20. Rats were sacrificed at PID 7, 21, or 37. BDNF, synapsin I, and cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) were analyzed within the ipsilateral hippocampus. Whereas BDNF levels significantly increased with exercise in the mild FPI rats that were exercised from PID 14 to 20, the moderate FPI rats only showed significant increases in BDNF when exercised from PID 30 to 36. In addition, moderate FPI rats that were allowed to exercise from PID 30 to 36 also exhibited significant increases in synapsin I and CREB. These results indicate that the time window for exercise-induced increases in BDNF, synapsin I, and CREB is dependent on injury severity.

Subtoxic N-methyl-D-aspartate delayed neuronal death in ischemic brain injury through TrkB receptor- and calmodulin-mediated PI-3K/Akt pathway activation

Previous studies have shown that subtoxic NMDA moderated the neuronal survival in vitro and vivo. We performed this experiment to clarify the precise mechanism underlie subtoxic NMDA delayed neuronal death in ischemic brain injury. We found that pretreatment of NMDA (100 mg/kg) increased the number of the surviving CA1 pyramidal cells of hippocampus at 5 days of reperfusion. This dose of NMDA could also enhance Akt activation after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Here, we examined the possible mechanism that NMDA induced Akt activation. On the one hand, we found NMDA receptor-mediated Akt activation was associated with increased expression of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and activation of its high-affinity receptor TrkB after I/R in the hippocampus CA1 region, which could be held down by TrkB receptor antagonist K252a. On the other hand, we found that NMDA enhanced the binding of Ca2+-dependent calmodulin (CaM) to p85 (the regulation subunit of PI-3K), which led to the activation of Akt. W-13, an active CaM inhibitor, prevented the combination of CaM and p85 and subsequent Akt activation. Furthermore, NMDA receptor-mediated Akt activation was reversed by combined treatment with LY294002, the specific blockade of PI-3K. Taken together, our results suggested that subtoxic NMDA exerts the neuroprotective effect via activation of prosurvival PI-3K/Akt pathway against ischemic brain injury, and BDNF-TrkB signaling and Ca2+-dependent CaM cascade might contribute to NMDA induced activation of PI-3K/Akt pathway.

Neurotrophins in the dentate gyrus

Since the discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the 1950s and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the 1980s, a great deal of evidence has mounted for the roles of neurotrophins (NGF; BDNF; neurotrophin-3, NT-3; and neurotrophin-4/5, NT-4/5) in development, physiology, and pathology. BDNF in particular has important roles in neural development and cell survival, as well as appearing essential to molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and larger scale structural rearrangements of axons and dendrites. Basic activity-related changes in the central nervous system (CNS) are thought to depend on BDNF modulation of synaptic transmission. Pathologic levels of BDNF-dependent synaptic plasticity may contribute to conditions such as epilepsy and chronic pain sensitization, whereas application of the trophic properties of BDNF may lead to novel therapeutic options in neurodegenerative diseases and perhaps even in neuropsychiatric disorders. In this chapter, I review neurotrophin structure, signal transduction mechanisms, localization and regulation within the nervous system, and various potential roles in disease. Modulation of neurotrophin action holds significant potential for novel therapies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Injury-induced axonal sprouting in the hippocampus is initiated by activation of trkB receptors

Penetrating head injuries are often accompanied by the delayed development of post-traumatic epilepsy. Schaffer collateral transection leads to axonal sprouting and hyperexcitability in area CA3 of hippocampal slice cultures. We used this model to test the hypothesis that the injury-induced axonal sprouting results from increased neurotrophin signaling via trkB receptors near the lesion. Using rats and mice, we established that sprouting CA3 pyramidal cell axons are labeled with an antibody to the growth-associated protein GAP-43. We observed two- to threefold increases in the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and trkB protein in area CA3 by 24-48 h after Schaffer collateral transection, preceding the onset of axonal sprouting. Finally, we demonstrated that injury-induced axonal sprouting of GAP-43-immunoreactive axons is impaired in hippocampal slice cultures from mice expressing low levels of trkB receptors. We conclude that injury-induced axonal sprouting is initiated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor-trkB signaling and suggest that this process may be critical for the genesis of post-traumatic epilepsy.

Preconditioning and neurotrophins: a model for brain adaptation to seizures, ischemia and other stressful stimuli

The amino acid glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, activates receptors coupled to calcium influx. Excessive activation of glutamate receptors in conditions such as severe epileptic seizures or stroke can kill neurons in a process called excitotoxicity. However, subtoxic levels of activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor elicit adaptive responses in neurons that enhance their ability to withstand more severe stress. A variety of stimuli induce adaptive responses to protect neurons. For example, sublethal ischemic episodes or a mild epileptic insult can protect neurons in a process referred to as tolerance. The molecular mechanisms that protect neurons by these different stressful stimuli are largely unknown but they share common features such as the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), which is activated by ischemic and epileptic preconditioning as well as exposure to subtoxic NMDA concentrations. In this article, we describe stress-induced neuroprotective mechanisms highlighting the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a crucial role in neuronal survival and maintenance, neurogenesis and learning and memory.

What is the biological significance of BDNF mRNA targeting in the dendrites? Clues from epilepsy and cortical development

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a regulatory factor of several, partially contrasting, aspects of the biology of neural cells, including survival, growth, differentiation, and cell death. Regulation of the local availability of BDNF at distinct subcellular domains such as the cell soma, dendrites, axons, and spines appears to be the key to conferring spatial and temporal specificity of the different effects elicited by this neurotrophin. This article reviews recent findings in the context of epileptogenesis and visual cortex maturation that showed that different BDNF messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts are localized at different subcellular locations in hippocampal and cortical neurons. It also reviews findings demonstrating that strong depolarizing stimuli, both in vitro and in vivo, elicit accumulation of BDNF mRNA and protein in the distal dendrites through a signaling pathway involving the activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate and tyrosine kinase B receptors and an intracellular increase in Ca2+ concentration. Finally, this article proposes that the regulation of the delivery of BDNF mRNA and protein to the different subcellular domains--particularly the dendritic compartment--may represent a fundamental aspect of the processes of cellular and synaptic morphological rearrangements underlying epileptogenesis and postnatal development of the visual cortex.