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BDNF acutely modulates synaptic transmission and calcium signalling in developing cortical neurons
Jun He1, Hui Gong, Qingming Luo
1The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Photonics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rapidly enhances synaptic activity and increases intracellular calcium in neurons. This neurotrophin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known for its long-term effects on neurons.
- BDNF is implicated in synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of BDNF on synaptic activity and intracellular calcium levels in cultured cortical neurons.
Main Methods:
- Cultured cortical neurons were treated with BDNF.
- Synaptic activity was measured by spontaneous firing rate and excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs).
- Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) was monitored using Fura-2, with experiments conducted in varying extracellular calcium conditions and with specific inhibitors (U-73122, K252a, Cd2+).
Main Results:
- BDNF rapidly increased neuronal firing rate and EPSC frequency and amplitude.
- BDNF acutely elevated intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i).
- This calcium increase involved both release from intracellular stores (sensitive to U-73122) and influx via voltage-dependent calcium channels (partially blocked by Cd2+), with a partial dependence on extracellular calcium.
Conclusions:
- BDNF acutely enhances synaptic transmission in cortical neurons.
- BDNF directly induces a rise in intracellular calcium through a dual mechanism involving intracellular stores and extracellular calcium influx.