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BDNF regulates NMDA receptor activity in developing retinal ganglion cells
Thomas Ladewig1, Stefan Fellner, Eberhart Zrenner
1Department of Pathophysiology of Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Opthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Neuroreport
|November 13, 2004
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for developing functional NMDA receptors in retinal ganglion cells. Restoring BDNF levels in deficient mice normalized NMDA receptor activity, highlighting its developmental role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to modulate NMDA receptors in the brain.
- The role of BDNF in NMDA receptor function in retinal ganglion cells during development is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of BDNF on NMDA receptor properties in retinal ganglion cells during early postnatal development.
- To determine if BDNF deficiency impacts NMDA receptor function in the retina.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to record NMDA receptor currents.
- Retinal slices from wildtype and BDNF-deficient (bdnf-/-) mice were utilized.
- NMDA receptor activity was assessed in the presence and absence of exogenous BDNF.
Main Results:
- Retinal ganglion cells from bdnf-/- mice exhibited significantly reduced NMDA currents compared to wildtype controls.
- Incubation of retinal slices from bdnf-/- mice with BDNF (50 ng/ml) for 1-3 hours restored NMDA receptor activity.
- These findings indicate a critical role for BDNF in NMDA receptor function.
Conclusions:
- BDNF plays a significant role in the activation of functional NMDA receptors during early retinal ganglion cell development.
- BDNF is essential for normal NMDA receptor maturation and function in the retina.
- Targeting BDNF may offer therapeutic potential for developmental retinal disorders.