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In vivo insular cortex LTP induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Martha L Escobar1, Yazmín Figueroa-Guzmán, Andrea Gómez-Palacio-Schjetnan
1División de Investigación y Estudios de Posgrado, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cub 4 y 5, 1er Piso, Edif. D, C P 04510 México D.F., Mexico. mescobar@correo.unam.mx
Brain Research
|October 25, 2003
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. This study demonstrates BDNF
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Synaptic Plasticity
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for long-term synaptic plasticity in adult brains.
- The insular cortex (IC) is involved in aversive learning and memory.
- Previous research showed NMDA-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in the basolateral amygdala (Bla)-IC projection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effect of BDNF on synaptic efficacy in the Bla-IC projection.
- To determine if BDNF can induce synaptic potentiation in the neocortex.
Main Methods:
- Acute intracortical microinfusion of BDNF in anesthetized adult rats.
- Electrophysiological recordings in the Bla-IC projection.
Main Results:
- BDNF infusion led to a lasting potentiation of synaptic efficacy in the Bla-IC pathway.
- This study provides in vivo evidence of neurotrophin-induced synaptic potentiation in the neocortex.
Conclusions:
- BDNF acts as a synaptic messenger in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity.
- These findings highlight BDNF's role in modulating synaptic strength within the neocortex.