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Developmental expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor mRNA by neurons of fetal and adult monkey prefrontal
G W Huntley1, D L Benson, E G Jones
1Department of Anatomy, University of California, Irvine 92717.
Abstract:
In situ hybridization histochemistry with labeled cRNA probes complementary to monkey brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs has been used to study the cellular localization and expression of this neurotrophin in the prefrontal cerebral cortex of fetal and adult monkeys. Expression could not be detected in prefrontal cortex before the 121st fetal day. Thereafter, in fetal life and in adulthood BDNF mRNA could be detected primarily in large, putative pyramidal cells of layers III and VI throughout the prefrontal cortex. The temporal course and cellular localization of BDNF expression suggests its association with the development and stabilization of specific connections in regions of cortex that display marked functional plasticity.
Insights
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in monkeys begins after the 121st fetal day. This neurotrophin is primarily found in pyramidal cells, suggesting a role in developing and stabilizing neural connections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial neurotrophin involved in neuronal survival, growth, and plasticity.
- Understanding the spatiotemporal expression of BDNF is key to elucidating its role in brain development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular localization and expression patterns of BDNF mRNA in the prefrontal cerebral cortex of fetal and adult monkeys.
- To correlate BDNF expression with critical developmental periods and functional plasticity in the primate prefrontal cortex.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization histochemistry utilizing labeled cRNA probes specific to monkey BDNF mRNAs.
- Analysis of BDNF mRNA expression in the prefrontal cerebral cortex across different fetal and adult developmental stages.
Main Results:
- BDNF mRNA expression was undetectable before the 121st fetal day.
- Following this period, BDNF mRNA was primarily localized to large, putative pyramidal neurons in layers III and VI of the prefrontal cortex.
- Expression was observed in both fetal and adult monkey brains.
Conclusions:
- BDNF expression in the primate prefrontal cortex initiates during late fetal development.
- The cellular localization of BDNF in pyramidal neurons suggests its involvement in the development and stabilization of neural circuits.
- BDNF likely plays a significant role in regions of the cortex characterized by substantial functional plasticity.