蛇菰多糖降低实验性肝损伤大鼠肝脏BDNF和TrkB的表达

目的蛇菰多糖(BPS)对D-半乳糖(D-gal)所致实验性肝损伤大鼠的肝功能及肝组织内BDNF、TrkB蛋白和凋亡相关蛋白表达的影响。方法将大鼠随机分为对照组(control),D-gal组(皮下注射D-半乳糖200 mg/kg),BPS低(D-gal+BPS-L)、中(D-gal+BPS-M)、高(D-gal+BPS-H)剂量组,分别每天灌胃50、100和200 mg/kg BPS,共6周。心脏取血检测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)和谷草转氨酶(AST)水平;HE染色法观察肝组织形态;免疫组织化学染色检测BDNF和TrkB的定位;Western blot检测BDNF、TrkB、Bcl-2、caspase-3和Bax蛋白表达;ELISA测定肝组织内丙醛(MDA)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性。结果与对照组相比,D-gal组肝细胞水肿、点状坏死;血清ALT和AST水平升高(P<0.05),SOD活性降低、MDA含量升高(P<0.05);Bax、caspase-3、BDNF、TrkB表达增加(P<0.05),Bcl-2表达降低(P<0.05);与D-gal组相比,BP...     

依达拉奉通过microRNA-25抑制高糖诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞凋亡

目的:探讨依达拉奉通过微小RNA-25(microRNA-25,miR-25)对高糖诱导的人神经母细胞瘤SHSY5Y细胞凋亡的抑制作用及其机制。方法:将SH-SY5Y细胞用含高浓度葡萄糖的DMEM培养基和依达拉奉的联合培养液共同培养24 h。MTT比色法测定SH-SY5Y细胞存活率;DCFH-DA荧光探针法检测SH-SY5Y细胞中活性氧簇(ROS)的水平;采用流式细胞术检测SH-SY5Y细胞的凋亡率;Western blot法检测凋亡相关蛋白Bax和Bcl-2的表达水平;实时定量PCR检测细胞中miR-25的表达水平。为进一步阐明依达拉奉抑制高糖诱导的神经细胞凋亡的作用靶点,我们将miR-25抑制剂应用于细胞,之后采用caspase-3凋亡试剂盒检测细胞的凋亡率。结果:与对照组相比,高糖诱导后细胞存活率明显降低,细胞中的ROS水平和细胞凋亡率明显升高,Bax的表达明显增加,Bcl-2的表达明显降低,miR-25的表达水平也明显降低。给予依达拉奉治疗之后,细胞存活率明显升高,ROS含量和细胞凋亡率明显降低,Bax的蛋白水平明显降低,Bcl-2蛋白水平明显升高,miR-25的表达水平亦明显升高。进一步给予miR-25抑制剂后,caspase-3的水平明显升高,此时同时给予依达拉奉后并不能抑制高糖引起的神经细胞的凋亡。结论:依达拉奉对高糖诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞凋亡具有抑制作用,其作用靶点可能是miR-25。     

Protective effect of edaravone against Alzheimer's disease-relevant insults in neuroblastoma N2a cells

Oxidative stress has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, antioxidant therapy may represent a promising avenue for the treatment of AD. Edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) is a potent free radical scavenger and has been shown to provide neuroprotection in both animal models of cerebral ischemia and stroke patients. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of edaravone against AD-relevant insults in neuroblastoma N2a cells and explored the potential mechanisms involved. N2a/Swe.Δ9 cells were used as the AD model cells, which exhibited reduced cell viability, increased apoptosis and oxidative stress as well as decreased mitochondrial membrane potential compared with N2a/Wt cells. All of these phenotypes were significantly reversed by edaravone treatment. Edaravone treatment significantly elevated cell viability, reduced apoptotic rate, attenuated oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial membrane potential in N2a/Swe.Δ9 cells. Furthermore, edaravone treatment inhibited mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways in N2a/Swe.Δ9 cells through decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, attenuating cytochrome c release and suppressing the activation of caspase-3. These results demonstrate that edaravone provides neuroprotection in an AD-related in vitro model and therefore, may be a potential complement for AD therapy.     

脑源性神经营养因子保护H_2O_2诱导的氧化损伤血管内皮细胞

目的:研究脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neurotrophic factor,BDNF)对过氧化氢(H2O2)诱导的氧化损伤血管内皮细胞的保护作用及其作用机制。方法:离体培养人脐静脉血管内皮细胞(human umbilical vein endothelial cells,HUVECs),建立H2O2致HUVECs氧化损伤模型后,利用不同浓度(1、10和100μg/L)BDNF处理HUVECs,同时设置未损伤对照组、H2O2损伤后PBS处理组和Trk B inhibitor组(同时加入100μg/L BDNF和1∶1 000的Trk B inhibitor)。利用MTT方法检测各组细胞存活率;同时测定各组细胞中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)水平变化;ELISA方法检测各组细胞分泌一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素1(ET-1)及细胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)的浓度变化;流式细胞术检测各组细胞中活性氧簇(ROS)含量及细胞凋亡的变化;Western blot检测各组细胞中Trk B、p-Trk B、cleaved caspase-3、Bcl-2及Bax的蛋白水平。结果:与未损伤组相比,经H2O2氧化损伤后,PBS处理组的HUVECs存活率显著下降,LDH和MDA含量显著上升而SOD和GSH的活性显著下降,细胞中NO分泌功能显著降低而ET-1和ICAM-1的分泌浓度则显著增加,ROS的含量和细胞凋亡率均显著上升,cleaved caspase-3和Bax的蛋白水平显著上升,Bcl-2蛋白表达则显著下降;与PBS处理组相比,不同浓度BDNF处理组中HUVECs的存活率逐渐上升,LDH和MDA含量逐渐下降,而SOD和GSH活性逐渐上升,细胞中的NO分泌量显著上升而ET-1和ICAM-1分泌量逐渐下降;ROS含量和细胞凋亡率则逐渐下降,Trk B和p-Trk B水平均显著上升,cleaved caspase-3和Bax的蛋白水平逐渐下降而Bcl-2蛋白表达逐渐上升,但BDNF的作用均受到Trk B inhibitor的抑制。结论:BDNF能够通过提高HUVECs细胞存活率,增强细胞抗氧化损伤能力,降低ROS产生和细胞凋亡率而保护氧化损伤的血管内皮细胞,并通过其与Trk B结合后激活BDNF-Trk B信号通路发挥作用。     

Treadmill exercise inhibits traumatic brain injury-induced hippocampal apoptosis

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an outside force impacts the brain. The main problem associated with TBI is neuronal cell death of the brain, and the outcome of TBI ranges from complete recovery to permanent disability, and sometimes death. Physical exercise is known to ameliorate neurologic impairment induced by various brain insults. In the present study, we investigated the effects of treadmill exercise on short-term memory and apoptosis in the hippocampus following TBI in rats. TBI was induced by an electromagnetic-controlled cortical impact. The rats in the exercise group were forced to run on a treadmill for 30 min once daily for 10 consecutive days, beginning 2 days after induction of TBI. For the current study, a step-down avoidance task, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, Western blot for Bcl-2 and Bax, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 were conducted. The present results revealed that TBI impaired short-term memory, and increased DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampus. Induction of TBI also enhanced expression of pro-apoptotic factor Bax protein and suppressed expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 protein in the hippocampus. Treadmill exercise alleviated short-term memory impairment, and decreased DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampus. In addition, treadmill exercise remarkably suppressed expression of Bax protein and slightly increased expression of Bcl-2 protein in TBI-induced rats. The present study showed that treadmill exercise might overcome TBI-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death, thus facilitating recovery following TBI.     

Edaravone protects endotoxin-induced liver injury by inhibiting apoptosis and reducing proinflammatory cytokines

Studies have shown that edaravone may prevent liver injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of edaravone on the liver injury induced by D-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in female BALB/c mice. Edaravone was injected into mice 30 min before and 4 h after GalN/LPS injection. The survival rate was determined within the first 24 h. Animals were killed 8 h after GalN/LPS injection, and liver injury was biochemically and histologically assessed. Hepatocyte apoptosis was measured by TUNEL staining; proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] in the liver were assayed by ELISA; expression of caspase-8 and caspase-3 proteins was detected by Western blot assay; and caspase-3 activity was also determined. Results showed that GalN/LPS induced marked elevations in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Edaravone significantly inhibited elevation of serum AST and ALT, accompanied by an improvement in histological findings. Edaravone lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells. In addition, 24 h after edaravone treatment, caspase-3 activity and mortality were reduced. Edaravone may effectively ameliorate GalN/LPS-induced liver injury in mice by reducing proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting apoptosis.     

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.     

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.     

骨髓间充质干细胞移植联合依达拉奉抑制脑梗死后的神经元凋亡

背景：国内外多项研究证实骨髓间充质干细胞移植对脑梗死组织具有一定的神经保护作用。依达拉奉是一种新型强效小分子羟自由基清除剂,可通过清除脑梗死产生的自由基,抑制神经细胞损伤,从而起到脑保护作用。 目的：观察骨髓间充质干细胞移植联合依达拉奉对大鼠脑梗死组织水通道蛋白4、Bcl-2、脑源性神经营养因子表达的影响。 方法：选取Wistar大鼠80只,建立右侧大脑中动脉闭塞模型,随机分为对照组、骨髓间充质干细胞组、依达拉奉组和联合治疗组。建模6 h后通过尾静脉分别注入移植液,对照组注射培养液,骨髓间充质干细胞组注射骨髓间充质干细胞,依达拉奉组给予依达拉奉注射液,联合组同时注入骨髓间充质干细胞和依达拉奉注射液。分别在伤后72 h将大鼠麻醉后断头取脑,应用RT-PCR、Western Blot法检测脑组织中水通道蛋白4、Bcl-2、脑源性神经营养因子基因表达和蛋白合成变化。伤后12,24,36 h取大鼠脑组织以TUNEL法测定细胞凋亡情况。 结果与结论：RT-PCR、Western Blot结果显示,在骨髓间充质干细胞与依达拉奉联合治疗组中,Bcl-2、脑源性神经营养因子的表达明显高于骨髓间充质干细胞组、依达拉奉组及对照组(P < 0.05);而水通道蛋白4的表达低于其余各组(P < 0.05)。TUNEL测定结果显示,联合治疗组中免疫组化呈棕色的凋亡细胞明显少于单独治疗组及对照组。提示骨髓间充质干细胞移植与依达拉奉联合应用治疗大鼠脑梗死,可进一步促进损伤局部脑源性神经营养因子及Bcl-2的表达,对神经细胞凋亡具有明显的抑制作用,同时可下调水通道蛋白4水平,减轻脑水肿程度,二者联合运用的效果明显优于单独治疗组。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：干细胞;骨髓干细胞;造血干细胞;脂肪干细胞;肿瘤干细胞;胚胎干细胞;脐带脐血干细胞;干细胞诱导;干细胞分化;组织工程全文链接：     

Edaravone attenuates white matter lesions through endothelial protection in a rat chronic hypoperfusion model

A multicenter randomized clinical trial demonstrated that acute ischemic stroke patients treated with edaravone, a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals, had significant functional improvement. We tested the hypothesis that edaravone has protective effects against white matter lesions (WML) and endothelial injury, using a rat chronic hypoperfusion model. Adult Wistar rats underwent ligation of bilateral common carotid artery (LBCCA) and were divided into the edaravone group (injected once only immediately after LBCCA [n=39, ED₁]; and injected on three consecutive days [n=39, ED₃]), the vehicle group (n=39), and the sham group (n=15). Cerebral blood flow, Morris water maze performance, footprint test for locomotor function, immunohistochemical analyses and Western blot analysis were performed before and after LBCCA. The ED₃ group upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase and attenuated Evans Blue extravasation at day 3 after LBCCA (P<0.05). Edaravone markedly suppressed accumulation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified protein and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (P<0.01), and loss of oligodendrocytes (P<0.05) in the cerebral white matter at days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after LBCCA. These results were more evident in the ED₃ group. Moreover, at day 21 after LBCCA, spatial memory but not motor function, and axonal damage were significantly improved by three-time treatment of edaravone (P<0.05). Our results indicated that 3-day treatment with edaravone provides protection against WML through endothelial protection and free radical scavenging and suggested that edaravone is potentially useful for the treatment of cognitive impairment.     

依达拉奉通过抑制细胞外信号调节激酶1/2信号通路减轻大鼠弥漫性脑创伤后神经细胞凋亡

目的:探讨依达拉奉对脑创伤后神经细胞凋亡的影响及其机制.方法:雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、创伤组、依达拉奉组,Marmarou's法建立弥漫性脑创伤模型.H-E染色观察皮质区神经细胞组织形态变化;免疫组织化学法和免疫印迹法检测磷酸化ERK1/2及Bax的表达;原位缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)检测神经细胞的凋亡,并对大鼠综合运动功能进行评定.结果:与对照组比较,创伤组中皮质区部分神经细胞出现变性坏死和凋亡的改变,磷酸化 ERK1/2(1、 6、 24、 48h)和Bax(6、 24、 48、 72h)表达水平增高;神经细胞凋亡数目(6、 24、 48、 72h)增多;大鼠综合运动能力评分下降.与创伤组比较,依达拉奉组中脑组织形态结构损伤程度、磷酸化ERK1/2和Bax表达、神经细胞凋亡数目显著下降;大鼠的运动功能评分升高.结论:依达拉奉通过抑制ERK1/2信号途径活化,进而抑制促凋亡蛋白Bax表达,减少神经细胞凋亡,发挥对弥漫性脑创伤的保护作用.     

Energy-restricted pair-feeding normalizes low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B mRNA expression in the hippocampus,but not ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus,in diet-induced obese mice

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) are closely associated with the regulation of energy homeostasis, but their roles in diet-induced obesity have not been explored. Using dietary interventions, this study examined regional changes of BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in different brain regions of diet-induced obese (DIO) and resistant (DR) mice in response to high-fat (HF), energy-restricted pair-feeding and low fat (LF) diets. Using in situ hybridization, DIO mice had significantly decreased levels of BDNF mRNA expression (−32% to −37%) and TrkB (−21% to −23%) in the hippocampus compared to DR mice on an HF diet, but not on energy-restricted pair-feeding and LF diets. In the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), BDNF expression was decreased in DIO mice on HF (−23%) and energy-restricted pair-feeding (−21%) diets. Furthermore, the VMH BDNF expression was negatively correlated with blood glucose but positively correlated with plasma adiponectin. These findings suggest that decreased hippocampal BDNF and TrkB expression plays an important role in high-fat diet induced obesity. A lower baseline BDNF mRNA expression in the VMH of DIO mice after normalization of body weight may indicate their intrinsic nature or an elevated body weight set point to drive body weight gain.     

Distinct signaling pathways of precursor BDNF and mature BDNF in cultured cerebellar granule neurons

Recent studies have focused on a distinctive contrast between bioactivities of precursor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) and mature BDNF (matBDNF). In this study, using a proteolytic cleavage-resistant proBDNF mutant (CR-proBDNF), signaling mechanisms underlying the proapoptotic effect of proBDNF and antiapoptotic effect of matBDNF on the low potassium (LK)-inducing cell death of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) were analyzed. A time course study demonstrated that unlike matBDNF, CR-proBDNF failed to induce TrkB phosphorylation for up to 360 min. CR-proBDNF did not activate ERK-1, ERK-2 and Akt, which are involved in TrkB-induced cell survival signaling, while matBDNF activated these kinases. On the other hand treatment of CGNs with CR-proBDNF led to a rapid activation of Rac-GTPase and phosphorylation of JNK which are involved in p75^NTR-induced apoptosis. In addition, a JNK-specific inhibitor, SP600125, inhibited the CR-proBDNF-induced apoptosis but did not affect the antiapoptotic effect of matBDNF. CR-proBDNF treatment led to an earlier appearance of active caspase-3. In contrast, matBDNF dramatically postponed the appearance of active caspase-3. Not like other signaling molecules, activation of caspase-3 was conversely regulated by both CR-proBDNF and matBDNF. These results thus suggest that in CGNs proBDNF elicits apoptosis via activation of p75^NTR, Rac-GTPase, JNK, and caspase-3, while matBDNF signals cell survival via activation of TrkB, ERKs and Akt, and deactivation of caspase-3.     

Olanzapine counteracts reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB receptors in rat hippocampus produced by haloperidol

Recently, we have reported studies in rats showing that the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (OLZ), in contrast to haloperidol (HAL), was not associated with reduction of markers of central cholinergic neurons as well as decrements in cognitive performance after chronic exposure. We compared the effect of 45 day chronic exposure of HAL (2 mg/kg per day) to OLZ (10 mg/kg per day) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)) and its high affinity receptor TrkB in rat hippocampus. Since the use of OLZ is presently preferred over HAL in patients, effects of its post-treatment on HAL-induced changes in the expression of BDNF and its TrkB receptor were also investigated. OLZ was administered after 45 days of HAL exposure. HAL, but not OLZ, significantly reduced the levels of BDNF in hippocampus. These changes in BDNF paralleled the levels of TrkB receptors. Furthermore, post-treatment with OLZ markedly restored the HAL treatment associated reductions in both BDNF and TrkB receptors in hippocampus.     

莫诺苷对血管性痴呆大鼠的治疗作用研究

目的　研究莫诺苷对血管性痴呆模型大鼠的作用及其机制。 方法　大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、模型组(VD组)、VD+Mor(25、50和100 mg)组,灌胃给药1次/d,连续28 d。Morris水迷宫测试空间学习记忆能力;HE染色观察脑组织病理学改变;TUNEL法检测海马细胞凋亡;ELISA测定血清SOD、MDA和LDH水平;Western Blot法检测海马Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9,caspase-3和p53蛋白表达水平。 结果　莫诺苷改善血管痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力;抑制脑组织病理学改变;降低细胞凋亡;提高血清SOD,降低MDA、LDH含量;并抑制Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9、caspase-3及p53蛋白表达。 结论　莫诺苷改善血管性痴呆大鼠的记忆能力和病理改变,降低脑组织细胞凋亡率和自由基水平,抑制线粒体凋亡通路蛋白表达,对血管性痴呆大鼠起到治疗作用。     

莫诺苷对血管性痴呆大鼠的治疗作用研究

目的　研究莫诺苷对血管性痴呆模型大鼠的作用及其机制。 方法　大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、模型组(VD组)、VD+Mor(25、50和100 mg)组,灌胃给药1次/d,连续28 d。Morris水迷宫测试空间学习记忆能力;HE染色观察脑组织病理学改变;TUNEL法检测海马细胞凋亡;ELISA测定血清SOD、MDA和LDH水平;Western Blot法检测海马Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9,caspase-3和p53蛋白表达水平。 结果　莫诺苷改善血管痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力;抑制脑组织病理学改变;降低细胞凋亡;提高血清SOD,降低MDA、LDH含量;并抑制Bax/Bcl-2,cyto胞质水平,caspase-9、caspase-3及p53蛋白表达。 结论　莫诺苷改善血管性痴呆大鼠的记忆能力和病理改变,降低脑组织细胞凋亡率和自由基水平,抑制线粒体凋亡通路蛋白表达,对血管性痴呆大鼠起到治疗作用。     

Age-related changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase receptor isoforms in the hippocampus and hypothalamus in male rats

A large amount of aging individuals show diminished cognitive and endocrine capabilities. The main brain areas involved in these changes are the hippocampus and hypothalamus, two regions possessing high plasticity and implicated in cognitive and endocrine functions, respectively. Among neurotrophins (considered as genuine molecular mediators of synaptic plasticity), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibits in adult rats, the highest concentrations in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Most of neuronal effects of BDNF are mediated through high-affinity cell surface BDNF tyrosine kinase receptors (TrkB). Different TrkB isoforms are issued by alternative splicing of mRNA encoding for TrkB (trkB mRNA) generating at least three different TrkB receptors with different signaling capabilities. The goal of this study was to examine simultaneously the expression (mRNAs and proteins) of BDNF and its three specific receptors, in the hippocampus and hypothalamus throughout lifespan in rats. We observed that BDNF essentially increased during the first 2 postnatal weeks in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, with no close correlation to its mRNA levels. In these regions, mRNA encoding for BDNF full-length catalytic receptor (trkB.FL mRNA) showed no important changes throughout life but of the mRNA truncated forms of TrkB receptors (trkB.T1 mRNA and trkB.T2 mRNA) trkB.T1 mRNA strongly increased after birth, then remaining stable during aging. trkB.T2 mRNA gradually decreased from 1 postnatal week becoming undetectable in the hippocampus in old-rats. Proteins issued from these mRNAs showed substantial quantitative modifications with aging. From 2 months old, the BDNF full-length catalytic receptor (TrkB.FL) gradually and significantly decreased in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. Of the truncated forms of TrkB receptors (TrkB.T1 and TrkB.T2) TrkB.T1, which is essentially localized in glial cells, significantly increased from the first postnatal week in the hippocampus and in the hypothalamus, remaining stable during aging but reduced in old rats. TrkB.T2 which similarly to TrkB.FL has a neuronal localization also gradually decreased in the hippocampus and in the hypothalamus throughout lifespan. These reductions were significant at 21 and 30 days old, respectively. All the changes reported here could contribute to the reduced plasticity of these regions observed in old rats.     

侧脑室注射PP2对慢性复合应激大鼠学习记忆功能和海马内Fyn、BDNF和TrkB表达的影响

为了探讨酪氨酸激酶抑制剂PP2对慢性复合应激性学习记忆增强大鼠的学习记忆功能和海马内非受体酪氨酸激酶(Fyn)、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)和Trk酪氨酸激酶B(TrkB)表达的影响,本实验将成年雄性大鼠22只,随机分为三组:即慢性复合应激组(对照组)、慢性复合应激+注射盐水组(盐水组)和慢性复合应激+注射PP2组(PP2组)。全部动物暴露于复合应激原中6周后,盐水组和PP2组动物分别侧脑室注射生理盐水或PP2(1次/d,共11d)。实验结束后,用Morris水迷宫测试大鼠的空间学习记忆成绩;采用免疫组织化学方法检测Fyn、BDNF和TrkB在海马内蛋白表达的变化。结果显示:与对照组和盐水组相比,PP2组动物的学习与记忆成绩明显下降(P<0.05);海马内Fyn和BDNF蛋白阳性表达减弱(P<0.05);但3组动物海马内TrkB的蛋白表达无显著性差异(P>0.05)。上述结果表明:侧脑室注射PP2可抑制大鼠慢性复合应激性学习记忆能力的增强作用,下调Fyn和BDNF在海马内的表达;提示Fyn和BDNF/TrkB信号转导途径在慢性复合应激增强大鼠学习记忆能力的过程中发挥重要作用。     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor mediates neuroprotection against Aβ-induced toxicity through a mechanism independent on adenosine 2A receptor activation

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuronal survival through TrkB-FL activation. The activation of adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2AR) is essential for most of BDNF-mediated synaptic actions, such as synaptic plasticity, transmission and neurotransmitter release. We now aimed at evaluating the A_2AR influence upon BDNF-mediated neuroprotection against Aβ_25–35 toxicity in cultured neurons. Results showed that BDNF increases cell survival and reduces the caspase-3 and calpain activation induced by amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, in a mechanism probably dependent on PLCγ pathway. This BDNF-mediated neuroprotection is not affected by A_2AR activation or inhibition. Moreover neither activation nor inhibition of A_2AR, per se, significantly influenced Aβ-induced neuronal death on calpain-mediated cleavage of TrkB induced by Aβ. In conclusion, these results suggest that, in opposition to the fast synaptic actions of BDNF, the neuroprotective actions of this neurotrophin against a strong Aβ insult do not require the activation of A_2AR.