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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor alters the synaptic modification threshold in visual cortex

K M Huber1, N B Sawtell, M F Bear

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.

Neuropharmacology
|August 15, 1998
PubMed
Summary
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) alters synaptic plasticity in the developing visual cortex. BDNF enhances synaptic strengthening and reduces weakening, influencing connection formation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurobiology
  • Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in neuronal development and function.
  • Synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), is essential for learning and memory.
  • The visual cortex undergoes significant development and refinement of synaptic connections during early postnatal life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of BDNF on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the developing rat visual cortex.
  • To determine how BDNF influences the induction and magnitude of LTP and LTD.
  • To explore BDNF's role in modulating the frequency-dependent properties of synaptic plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of visual cortex slices from young rats (postnatal days 21-28).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Treatment of slices with BDNF for 2-5 hours.
  • Electrophysiological recordings to measure synaptic responses, LTP (induced by theta-burst stimulation and 20 Hz tetanus), and LTD (induced by 1 Hz tetanus).

    • Main Results:

    • BDNF treatment did not alter maximal LTP induced by strong stimulation (theta-burst).
    • BDNF significantly enhanced LTP in response to weaker stimulation (20 Hz tetanus).
    • BDNF significantly reduced LTD induced by low-frequency stimulation (1 Hz tetanus).
    • BDNF enhanced synaptic responses during conditioning stimulation, potentially underlying its effects on plasticity.

    Conclusions:

    • BDNF treatment shifts the threshold for synaptic modification, favoring potentiation over depression.
    • BDNF modulates synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex, enhancing strengthening and reducing weakening.
    • These findings suggest BDNF is critical for refining synaptic connections during visual cortex development.