Human Plasma BDNF Is Associated With Amygdala-Prefrontal Cortex Functional Connectivity and Problem Drinking...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Preclinical research links reduced amygdala brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Human studies suggest amygdala dysfunction and altered amygdala-prefrontal cortex connectivity in AUD, especially during distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma BDNF levels and amygdala reactivity/connectivity in individuals with and without AUD.
• To explore how BDNF and brain function relate to binge drinking and age of AUD onset.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) assessed amygdala function during anxiety and fear responses in 57 participants.
• Plasma BDNF levels were measured and correlated with brain imaging data and drinking behaviors.

Main Results:

• Lower plasma BDNF correlated with reduced amygdala-medial prefrontal cortex connectivity during anxiety, but not fear.
• In individuals with AUD, lower BDNF and connectivity during anxiety were linked to increased binge drinking and earlier AUD onset.
• No association was found between BDNF levels and focal amygdala reactivity.

Conclusions:

• Plasma BDNF levels are associated with human amygdala circuit function, particularly during anxiety.
• Individual differences in BDNF and amygdala connectivity may influence drinking behaviors and AUD progression.