[Effect of precursor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on hippocampal neuron survival and its mechanism]

To explore the effect of precursor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) on cultured hippocampal neuron and its intracellular mechanism.

The hippocampal neurons were dissociated from E18 rats and cultured in neurobasal medium, and then the cells were treated with proBDNF, preBDNF(propeptide of proBDNF) and proBDNF antiserum,respectively. Thirty minutes, 1 hour or 48 hours later, the cells were stained with Nissl solution, and the immunocytochemistry methods of ELK-p (Ets domain protein), ErK2(extracellular signal regulated kinase) and c-fos were performed.

The expressions of ELK-p, ErK and c-fos were significantly upregulated in the cultured hippocampal neurons after they were treated with proBDNF protein,and the immuno-positive staining was also obvious in some nuclei. While the endogenous proBDNF was neutralized by proBDNF antiserum treatment, the expressions of ELK-p, ErK and c-fos were downregulated and many cells showed swelling and vasoculation. The immunoreactivity in preBDNF treated cells was similar to that in normal cultured cells.

proBDNF plays an important role in sustaining the hippocampal neuron survival through upregulating the ELK and ErK pathways.