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Real-time Imaging of Axonal Transport of Quantum Dot-labeled BDNF in Primary Neurons
Published on: September 15, 2014
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is critically involved in thermal-experience-dependent developmental plasticity
1Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for establishing thermal control during a critical developmental period in chicks. Inhibiting BDNF impairs temperature regulation and long-term thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Critical periods are essential for sensory development, but the molecular mechanisms of network wiring plasticity remain unclear.
- Body temperature regulation involves the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) and thermosensitive neurons.
- Environmental temperature exposure during development can induce plastic changes in thermosensitive cells and affect temperature tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the critical period of thermal control development in chicks.
- To determine if BDNF expression is altered by heat or cold exposure during this critical period.
- To establish whether BDNF is essential for thermal-experience-dependent plasticity in temperature regulation.
Main Methods:
- Measuring BDNF mRNA expression in the PO/AH of chicks exposed to heat or cold.
- Using antisense to inhibit BDNF in the PO/AH during the critical period of thermal development.
- Assessing body temperature, thermal tolerance, and body weight regulation in chicks following BDNF inhibition.
Main Results:
- BDNF mRNA expression, but not NGF or neurotrophin-3, was significantly induced in the PO/AH of chicks during both heat and cold exposure.
- BDNF levels peaked after 6 hours of exposure, with threefold and sevenfold increases for heat and cold, respectively.
- Inhibition of BDNF by 80% during the third postnatal day impaired thermal establishment, leading to a 0.5°C reduction in body temperature after one week and altered long-term thermoregulation.
Conclusions:
- BDNF plays a critical role in the developmental plasticity of thermal control.
- Experience-dependent changes in temperature regulation during critical periods are mediated by BDNF.
- BDNF is essential for establishing and maintaining normal thermoregulation in response to environmental temperature challenges.
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