Regulation of BDNF after treatment with electroconvulsive seizures in the Flinders rats

Abstract

Introduction

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of neuronal plasticity. There is accumulating evidence that BDNF plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of depression.

Clinically, decreased BDNF levels in serum and plasma have been reported in patients with major depression. Some studies have shown that treatment with Electroconvulsive Therapy increase the levels of BDNF.  

Pre-clinically, BDNF levels have been determine in the FRL/FSL rats, a genetic model of depression, with or without Electroconvulsive Seizures (ECS). In hippocampus and frontal cortex no significant differences were reported.

 

Aim

To examine the serum and brain levels of BDNF in the FRL/FSL rats after treatment with ECS.

 

Materials and Methods

FRL and FSL rats were divided into 3 groups, controls, acute(x1) ECS and chronic(x10) ECS. After the last treatment the animals were decapitated and mixed arteriovenous blood was collected. The brain was quickly dissected. Blood and tissue were stored at -80°C until preparation for the BDNF measurements. BDNF was measured with ELISA kits.

 

Results

Preliminary data in hippocampus show that the BDNF level was significantly higher in both FSL and FRL rat after chronic ECS. More regions are to be included.

Interestingly, the serum BDNF level was significantly higher in the FSL rats compared to the FRL rats, in both the control rats and after chronic ECS.

In both groups the BDNF level was decreased after chronic ECS.

 

Conclusion

The preliminary data show a possible relation between BDNF and the pathophysiology of depression.