Brain-derived neurotrophic factor blood levels in two models of transient brain ischemia in rats

We monitored possible influence of transient focal and global brain ischemia on BDNF blood level. In both models noticeable fluctuation of BDNF concentration mainly in reperfusion was observed. During the first 90 min, BDNF in total blood and in blood cells continuously decreased in both models but plasma BDNF raised at 40 min and peaked at 90 min of reperfusion. Our data confirm the impact of transient brain ischemia on BDNF levels in the circulatory system, suggest blood cells as a possible source of BDNF and demonstrate the interdependence of blood compartments and physiological state of an affected organism.