癫痫发作过程海马区脑源性神经营养因子及其相关蛋白的变化

目的:探讨脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)与癫痫发作的关系。方法:将听源性癫痫鼠分成安静期、惊厥前期、惊厥期及惊厥后期4组,用免疫组织化学方法检测在惊厥不同阶段脑内海马区BDNF及相关蛋白,用图像分析仪比较各蛋白的阳性单位(PU)。Wistar大鼠作对照。结果:听源性癫痫鼠安静期BDNF显著低于对照组,受刺激兴奋后的惊厥前期、惊厥期及惊厥后期BDNF增高并略高于对照组;而BDNF受体(trkB)的表达在各阶段均增高,作为trkB激活的标志蛋白磷酸化酪氨酸(PY20)只在受刺激兴奋后的惊厥前期和惊厥期增高;具抑制性作用的神经肽(NPY)在惊厥前均处于低水平。结论:内源性BDNF可能分别通过调控NPY和激活受体trkB两个途径影响听源性癫痫鼠的神经兴奋性。     

BDNF-induced LTP in dentate gyrus is impaired with age: analysis of changes in cell signaling events

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a major regulator of synaptic plasticity in the adult brain and acute BDNF infusion has been shown to trigger long-term potentiation (BDNF-LTP) in adult rats. Here we compared the effects of acute BDNF infusion in young adult and aged anesthetized rats. In young rats, BDNF-LTP was accompanied by increased activation of the BDNF receptor TrkB, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), as well as enhanced evoked release of glutamate in synaptosomes prepared from DG. In aged rats, both BDNF-LTP and the associated signaling were significantly impaired, while analysis of untreated hippocampal tissue from aged rats showed that activation of TrkB and ERK were decreased. In addition to effects in the DG, BDNF-LTP was accompanied by robust phosphorylation of the calcium/cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) in tissue prepared from entorhinal cortex of both young and aged rats. These results suggest a cascade of presynaptic changes contributing to the expression of BDNF-induced LTP and show that BDNF-induced transduction mechanisms are attenuated with age.     

Synaptic plasticity in early aging

Studies of how aging affects brain plasticity have largely focused on old animals. However, deterioration of memory begins well in advance of old age in animals, including humans; the present review is concerned with the possibility that changes in synaptic plasticity, as found in the long-term potentiation (LTP) effect, are responsible for this. Recent results indicate that impairments to LTP are in fact present by early middle age in rats but only in certain dendritic domains. The search for the origins of these early aging effects necessarily involves ongoing analyses of how LTP is induced, expressed, and stabilized. Such work points to the conclusion that cellular mechanisms responsible for LTP are redundant and modulated both positively and negatively by factors released during induction of potentiation. Tests for causes of the localized failure of LTP during early aging suggest that the problem lies in excessive activity of a negative modulator. The view of LTP as having redundant and modulated substrates also suggests a number of approaches for reversing age-related losses. Particular attention will be given to the idea that induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, an extremely potent positive modulator, can be used to provide long periods of normal plasticity with very brief pharmacological interventions. The review concludes with a consideration of how the selective, regional deficits in LTP found in early middle age might be related to the global phenomenon of brain aging.     

三种中药复方对慢性束缚应激大鼠皮层和海马BDNF、TrkB的影响

目的： 研究慢性束缚应激时大鼠皮层和海马BDNF、TrkB的变化以及逍遥散、四君子汤、金匮肾气丸3种中药复方对其影响。方法： 用特制束缚架连续束缚7 d与21 d，每天3 h的方法制作大鼠束缚应激模型，用免疫组织化学方法结合图像分析检测大鼠皮层和海马CA1区BDNF、TrkB的变化。结果： 连续束缚7 d、21 d后大鼠大脑额叶皮层与海马CA1区的BDNF均显著低于正常对照组（P<0.05, P<0.01）,尤以21 d模型组明显。连续束缚7 d、21 d后大鼠大脑额叶皮层与海马CA1区的TrkB分别显著高于正常对照组（P<0.05，P<0.01）。3个中药复方均能升高皮层BDNF的积分吸光度和海马中BDNF的阳性细胞数；逍遥散能降低海马和皮层中的TrkB阳性细胞数和海马TrkB的积分吸光度；四君子汤和金匮肾气丸能降低皮层TrkB的积分吸光度；金匮肾气丸能降低皮层TrkB的阳性细胞数；逍遥散升高皮层和海马中BDNF的作用比四君子汤和金匮肾气丸明显。结论： 皮层和海马CA1区BDNF下降参与慢性应激的变化，疏肝、健脾、补肾的中药复方均有一定程度的逆转作用，但以逍遥散的作用较强，优于四君子汤和金匮肾气丸。     

抑郁症患者血清BDNF水平与相关因素分析

目的:探讨抑郁症患者血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)水平与病程、抑郁症状严重程度、性别、年龄之间的相关性。方法:采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)对30例抑郁症患者(患者组)及30名健康对照者(对照组)进行评定,并采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定患者和对照者的血清BDNF水平。结果:患者组血清BDNF水平[(17.26±6.39)ng/ml]低于对照组[(24.13±6.82)ng/ml](P<0.01);患者组血清BDNF水平分别与其HAMD积分及病程长短呈负相关(r=-0.398,P<0.05;r=-0.413,P<0.05)。结论:抑郁症患者血清BDNF水平降低并与病程长短及抑郁症状的严重程度相关,提示BDNF可能参与抑郁症的发病过程。     

中药复方SMⅠ对拟老年痴呆小鼠学习记忆能力及海马BDNF表达的影响

目的：探讨中药复方SMⅠ对拟老年性痴呆（AD）小鼠学习记忆能力的影响及其机制。方法：用D-半乳糖腹腔注射62 d和三氯化铝灌胃106 d联合用药制备拟AD动物模型。从造模的第67 d开始，中药组灌胃给中药SMⅠ，连续40 d。给药结束后，通过方形水迷宫、逆转录聚合酶链反应来观察SMⅠ对拟AD模型小鼠学习记忆和脑内脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）基因表达的影响。结果：SMⅠ可以缩短拟AD模型小鼠水迷宫测试的潜伏期(P<0.01), 减少其错误次数(P<0.05)，同时促进海马BDNF mRNA的表达(P<0.01)。结论：中药复方SMⅠ能提高D-半乳糖和AlCl3拟老年性痴呆小鼠学习记忆能力，其效果优于脑复康。SMⅠ促进学习记忆能力的作用可能与促进BDNF mRNA的表达有关。     

EGF培养条件下NGF与BDNF对大鼠海马神经干细胞向神经元分化的差异

目的探讨在表皮生长因子(EGF)培养条件下,相同浓度神经生长因子(NGF)与脑源性神经生长因子(BDNF)对成年大鼠海马神经干细胞向神经元分化比例的差异。方法用含碱性成纤维生长因子(bFGF)、EGF、B27的无血清细胞培养技术体外培养成年大鼠海马神经干细胞,单细胞克隆后行Nestin免疫细胞化学染色,诱导分化1周,行GFAP和NSE免疫细胞化学染色;根据培养液中所加营养因子的不同将单细胞克隆传代细胞分为5组培养:EGF组、NGF组、BDNF组、EGF+NGF组、EGF+BDNF组,此5组细胞培养1周,进行NSE免疫细胞化学染色,计数阳性细胞比例后进行统计学分析。结果:单细胞克隆培养后克隆球细胞表达Nestin,诱导分化1周,细胞表达NSE、GFAP;与EGF组、NGF组、BDNF组相比,EGF+NGF组和EGF+BDNF组细胞分化为神经元的比例较高(P<0.05),其中EGF+BDNF组细胞的比例最高。结论在EGF培养条件下,BDNF促进成年大鼠海马神经干细胞向神经元分化的能力高于NGF。     

在脑片水平上突触可塑性长时程增强的研究进展

长时程增强(LTP)是突触效能的重要表现形式,是研究学习与记忆突触机制的客观指标.近年来随着脑片技术的发展,很多关于LTP的实验研究都在脑片水平上进行.介绍了海马脑片CA1区LTP的调节表达机制的研究,海马脑片上诱导产生的LTP的特征和脑片条件的关系,多巴胺转运蛋白阻断剂通过活化D3多巴胺受体增强海马脑片CA1区LTP,以及激活大鼠海马脑片CA1区突触β-肾上腺素能受体增强联合LTP的研究,综述了在脑片水平上研究LTP的诱导表达维持及调节等方面的研究动态和进展.     

Curcumin reverses corticosterone-induced depressive-like behavior and decrease in brain BDNF levels in rats

A rat model of depression has been recently developed using exogenous corticosterone (CORT) administration. This study aimed to examine the antidepressant-like effect and the possible mechanisms of curcumin in a CORT-induced depression model in rats. The results showed that 3-week CORT injections caused depression-like behavior in rats, as indicated by the significant decrease in sucrose consumption and increase in immobility time in the forced swim test. Repeated CORT injections also significantly decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the rats. Treatment of the rats with curcumin significantly suppressed the depression-like behavior and the decrease in brain BDNF levels induced by the repeated CORT injections. The results suggest that curcumin produces an antidepressant-like effect in CORT-treated rats, which is possibly mediated by increasing BDNF expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.     

移植BDNF和GDNF基因修饰的hMSCs对大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞的影响

 目的：构建脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）和胶质细胞源性神经营养因子（GDNF）基因的非病毒表达载体,用脂质体法转染人骨髓间充质干细胞（hMSCs）,观察其对大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞（MCAO）模型的影响,探索移植转基因修饰的hMSCs治疗脑血管疾病的可行性。方法：构建高效非病毒表达载体,用脂质体法转染获得高表达2种神经营养因子的hMSCs。建立大鼠MCAO模型,建模后24 h经股静脉进行转基因hMSCs移植,并以磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS)和hMSCs为对照。用脑梗死体积计算、体重变化、行为学评测等指标对大鼠脑损伤程度进行评估,通过大鼠脑组织观察和病理切片对脑组织损伤以及细胞的迁移分化情况进行分析。结果：经股静脉转基因hMSCs移植能够提高大鼠MCAO后的感觉运动功能,减小脑梗死体积,与PBS对照组相比有显著差异;与hMSCs治疗组相比,治疗效果较好且稳定。移植的细胞在脑损伤区域有少数存活但未见分化现象。结论：经静脉移植脂质体介导、GDNF和BDNF基因修饰的hMSCs,可促进缺血脑组织的损伤修复,效果较好,为非病毒载体在干细胞相关转基因治疗的应用提供了理论依据。本研究表明,MSCs的作用不依赖干细胞的分化和神经元的替换,而可能与其分泌细胞因子对抗脑损伤并促进神经修复有关,在MSCs中转入特定的外源性神经营养因子可加强这一作用。     

右美托咪定对抑郁症大鼠行为及海马BDNF和mTOR蛋白表达的影响

目的:观察右美托咪定(DEX)对抑郁症大鼠行为及海马脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)和哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)表达的影响并探讨其机制。方法:实验设5组,即假手术(sham)组、抑郁症模型(model)组及DEX(2.5、5和10μg/kg)组,每组12只大鼠。抑郁症动物模型采用卵巢摘除加慢性不可预知性温和应激法制备。DEX各剂量组大鼠连续腹腔注射给药21 d。强迫游泳及旷场实验观察大鼠行为变化。Morris水迷宫实验评价大鼠空间学习和记忆能力。海马神经元病理变化采用尼氏染色法检测。大鼠海马白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、IL-6和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)mRNA的表达水平采用RT-qPCR法检测。Western blot检测海马IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α和BDNF蛋白表达水平及蛋白激酶A(PKA)、cAMP反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)、原肌球蛋白相关激酶B(TrkB)、磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(Akt)和mTOR蛋白的磷酸化水平。结果:与model组相比,DEX各剂量组大鼠强迫游泳不动时间明显降低,自发活动明显增加,逃避潜伏期明显降低,穿越平台次数明显...     

BDNF对慢性应激性大鼠海马神经元损伤的保护作用

目的研究脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)对大鼠海马神经元的保护作用。方法40只成年Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组、应激组、BDNF低剂量组和高剂量组,每组10只。用电击足底结合噪声建立慢性应激大鼠模型,Morris水迷宫观察动物的空间学习和记忆能力,Nissl染色观察和计数海马神经元数量,Fara-2荧光法测海马突触体内游离钙浓度。结果在双海马注射BDNF后,对于因慢性应激引起的空间学习和记忆能力下降,海马神经元数量减少,海马突触体内游离钙浓度增高有明显保护作用。结论BDNF对应激海马损伤有保护作用,其机制可能是通过调节海马细胞内的钙浓度,防止海马神经细胞丢失有关。     

BDNF在大鼠脊髓压迫性损伤脱髓鞘病变中的作用

目的　观察脊髓压迫性损伤后脑源性神经生长因子（Brain-derived neurotrophic factor,BDNF）的表达变化与有髓神经纤维脱髓鞘病变之间的关系,以阐明BDNF对神经纤维脱髓鞘病变的作用。 方法　SD雄性大鼠60只,将其均分成3 组：模型组、假手术组和正常组,用自行设计的压迫器制作大鼠脊髓压迫模型。模型组作脊髓压迫24 h, 假手术组仅作脊髓显露,不作压迫。锇酸和LFB(luxol fast blue) 染色观察有髓神经纤维变化情况; Western blot检测髓鞘碱性蛋白( myelin basic protein,MBP)和BDNF的表达。 结果　24 h后,与假手术组比较,模型组压迫前段(T11)有髓神经纤维无明显肿胀和数量变化,MBP表达未见变化（P>0.05）,但BDNF的表达量升高(P<0.05);而压迫段（T12）和压迫后段（L1）有髓神经纤维肿胀并伴有数量降低(P<0.05), BDNF和MBP的表达量也随之下降(P<0.05),且压迫段（T12）脱髓鞘病变更为严重,BDNF降低也更为明显(P<0.01)。 结论　大鼠脊髓压迫性损伤BDNF表达减少可导致脊髓脱髓鞘病变的发生,而BDNF表达量升高可能对脊髓脱髓鞘病变具有保护作用。     

Modulation of BDNF and TrkB expression in rat hippocampus in response to acute neurotoxicity by diethyldithiocarbamate

In this study, we examined the expression profile of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB in adult rat hippocampus following acute administration of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), a neurotoxic compound which was previously shown to induce microglia activation and cell death. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis detected significant variations of BDNF mRNA levels in whole hippocampus homogenates, with a peak at 24h after DDTC injection. Increased BDNF protein expression was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in various hippocampal subfields. The most relevant increase was observed in the hilus of the dentate gyrus where BDNF levels at 120h were found to be almost four times those of basal levels. Full-length TrkB (TrkB.FL) encoding mRNA was also shown to undergo an earlier increase in the hippocampus of DDTC-treated rats. TrkB immunostaining with an antibody binding both full-length and truncated (TrkB.T) isoforms was found to increase at 120h in the hippocampal CA2 and CA3 regions. These results demonstrate that DDTC modulates the expression of BDNF and its receptor in the adult rat hippocampus and suggest a possible involvement of this neurotrophin in the protective response to DDTC-induced neuronal damage.     

Object recognition memory and BDNF expression are reduced in young TgCRND8 mice

The TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease exhibits progressive cortical and hippocampal β-amyloid accumulation, resulting in plaque pathology and spatial memory impairment by 3 months of age. We tested whether TgCRND8 cognitive function is disrupted prior to the appearance of macroscopic plaques in an object recognition task. We found profound deficits in 8-week-old mice. Animals this age were not impaired on the Morris water maze task. TgCRND8 and littermate controls did not differ in their duration of object exploration or optokinetic responses. Thus, visual and motor dysfunction did not confound the phenotype. Object memory deficits point to the frontal cortex and hippocampus as early targets of functional disruption. Indeed, we observed altered levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in these brain regions of preplaque TgCRND8 mice. Our findings suggest that object recognition provides an early index of cognitive impairment associated with amyloid exposure and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the TgCRND8 mouse.     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reverses the effects of rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (REMSD) on developmentally regulated,long-term potentiation (LTP) in visual cortex slices

Work in this laboratory demonstrated a role for rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) in critical period (CP), postnatal days (P) 17–30, synaptic plasticity in visual cortex. Studies in adolescent rats showed that REMS deprivation (REMSD) reinitiates a developmentally regulated form of synaptic plasticity that otherwise is observed only in CP animals. Subsequent work added that REMSD affects inhibitory mechanisms that are thought to be involved in terminating the CP. Neurotrophins are implicated in the synaptic plasticity that underlies CP maturation and also final closure of the CP in visual cortex. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is dependent upon neuronal activity, and REMSD may block BDNF expression. We propose that REMS contributes to the maturation of visual cortex through regulation of BDNF expression and consequent, downstream increase in cortical inhibitory tone. In this study, osmotic minipumps delivered BDNF into visual cortex on one side of brain. The opposite hemisphere was not implanted and served as an internal control. We tested the hypothesis that BDNF is blocked by REMSD in late-adolescent rats and investigated whether replacing BDNF prevents induction of LTPWM-III by theta burst stimulation (TBS). We also assessed relative inhibitory tone in visual cortex with paired-pulse stimulation (PPS) in animals that were similarly REMSD- and BDNF-infused. After REMSD, both hemispheres were prepared in parallel for in vitro synaptic plasticity studies (LTPWM-III or PPS). In visual cortex of REMSD rats on the side receiving BDNF infusions (8 of 8 animals), TBS consistently failed to induce LTPWM-III. In contrast, LTPWM-III was obtained (5 of 5 animals) in the matched, non-infused hemisphere, as expected in rats of this age. REMSD animals that were unilaterally infused with saline produced LTPWM-III in both hemispheres. PPS studies in another group of REMSD animals that were unilaterally BDNF-infused displayed age-appropriate inhibition of the second response on the BDNF-infused side (5/5), whereas on the non-infused side facilitation was observed (3/3). Intracortical infusion of BDNF in REMSD adolescent rats appears to restore neurochemical processes necessary for termination of the CP for developmentally regulated synaptic plasticity in visual cortex. The results suggest that REMSD blocks BDNF expression and also maturation of inhibitory processes in adolescent visual cortex. These data support REMS’ function in brain development.     

大鼠海马结构在空间辨别性学习记忆时的突触形态可塑性的定量研究

目的　观察由空间辩别性学习记忆活动引致的大鼠海马结构的突触可塑性变化。方法　本研究继电子显微镜下 ,对空间辨别性学习记忆模型大鼠和对照大鼠海马结构内突触形态学的对比性观察之后 ,又对两组大鼠海马结构内突触复合体进行了体视学指标的测算。结果　模型组大鼠海马CA3区多形层内突触数密度 (77 81± 16 0 0 )个 / μm3、突触活性点膜面积 (0 0 37± 0 0 0 8) μm2 / μm3、突触小泡的数量 (16 9946 86± 195 92 5 8)个 / μm3、线粒体的体积 (1 70± 0 86 ) %和数密度 (8777 5 4± 2 0 2 0 32 )个 / μm3 均比对照组大鼠的大或多 ,对照组大鼠以上指标分别为 :(2 8 35± 1 31)个 / μm3、(0 0 15± 0 0 0 2 ) μm2 /μm3、(6 4380 2 7± 872 8 6 6 )个 / μm2 、(0 5 8± 0 35 ) %、(2 2 82 46± 72 7 6 9)个 / μm3,其差异有高度显著性 (P <0 0 1)。结论　正常生理活动也可引致神经发生突触可塑性变化 ;突触可塑性变化的形式不仅包括突触复合体各结构的增大同时包括突触数量增多 ;突触活性点膜面积增大 ;突触小泡的数量增多和体积增大 ;突触前膨大内线粒体数量增多和体积增大。     

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is not associated with response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A pilot study in drug resistant depressed patients

Refractory depression is a highly debilitating mental condition that originates major social and economic burden. About 50% of the patients experience a chronic course of illness and up to 20% show an insufficient response to drug treatments. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment method in refractory depression, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is decreased in depressive episodes, and increases with antidepressant treatment, being suggested as a biomarker of response to ECT. We report the findings of a study on the effects of ECT on BDNF and clinical outcomes in a group of drug resistant depressive patients before and after ECT. The patients post-ECTs have shown an important improvement of depressive symptomatology on the HDRS (p = 0.001), of psychotic features on the BPRS (p = 0.001) and of the severity of illness on the CGI (p = 0.001). There were no changes in the serum BDNF before and after the ECT treatment (p = 0.89). These results do not support the hypothesis that the clinical improvement following ECT is due to changes in the BDNF.     

Changes in expression of BDNF and its receptors TrkB and p75NTR in the hippocampus of a dog model of chronic alcoholism and abstinence

Chronic ethanol consumption can produce learning and memory deficits. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors affect the pathogenesis of alcoholism. In this study, we examined the expression of BDNF, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in the hippocampus of a dog model of chronic alcoholism and abstinence. Twenty domestic dogs (9-10 months old, 15-20 kg; 10 males and 10 females) were obtained from Harbin Medical University. A stable alcoholism model was established through ad libitum feeding, and anti-alcohol drug treatment (Zhong Yao Jie Jiu Ling, the main ingredient was the stems of watermelon; developed in our laboratory), at low- and high-doses, was carried out. The Zhong Yao Jie Jiu Ling was effective for the alcoholism in dogs. The morphology of hippocampal neurons was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The number and morphological features of BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG), and the CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions of the hippocampus were observed using immunohistochemistry. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences in BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR expression. BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR-positive cells were mainly localized in the granular cell layer of the DG and in the pyramidal cell layer of the CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions (DG>CA1>CA3>CA4). Expression levels of both BDNF and TrkB were decreased in chronic alcoholism, and increased after abstinence. The CA4 region appeared to show the greatest differences. Changes in p75NTR expression were the opposite of those of BDNF and TrkB, with the greatest differences observed in the DG and CA4 regions.     

Non-coding RNA regulation of synaptic plasticity and memory: Implications for aging

Advancing age is associated with the loss of cognitive ability and vulnerability to debilitating mental diseases. Although much is known about the development of cognitive processes in the brain, the study of the molecular mechanisms governing memory decline with aging is still in its infancy. Recently, it has become apparent that most of the human genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) rather than protein-coding mRNAs. Multiple types of ncRNAs are enriched in the central nervous system, and this large group of molecules may regulate the molecular complexity of the brain, its neurons, and synapses. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of ncRNAs in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory in the broader context of the aging brain and associated memory loss. We also discuss future directions to study the role of ncRNAs in the aging process.