Prefrontal cortex modulates the correlations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, serotonin, and the...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Top-down regulation by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its catecholamine connections are known.
• The influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on PFC modulation of serotonin and autonomic nervous system (ANS) pathways remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between BDNF levels, serotonin transporter (SERT) availability, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function.
• To explore how PFC function, assessed by the Wisconsin card-sorting test (WCST), moderates these interactions.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-seven healthy subjects underwent SPECT imaging for SERT availability ([¹²³I]ADAM), heart rate variability (HRV) testing, and BDNF level measurement.
• PFC function was assessed using the WCST.

Main Results:

• BDNF levels and SERT availability significantly interacted with HRV indexes (LF, HF, TP, Mean HR).
• Positive correlations between SERT availability and HRV indexes were observed only in subjects with low BDNF levels.
• In the low BDNF group, these correlations were significant only in individuals with high WCST perseveration errors or low category completions.

Conclusions:

• Lower BDNF levels and impaired PFC function may influence the interplay between serotonergic and ANS systems.
• These modulations appear crucial for maintaining brain physiological and psychological homeostasis.