Abstract
In the present study, it is demonstrated that activation of NMDA receptors upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in granule cells of the dentate gyrus and CA3 pyramidal neurons. BDNF mRNA levels in the granule cells peaked within 4 h, were still evident at 24 h, and returned to control levels within 48 h. In the CA3 region, BDNF mRNA levels were significantly increased at 2 h, peaked at 4 h, and returned to control values by 8 h following NMDA treatment. Finally, the effects of NMDA on BDNF mRNA expression were blocked by AP5, an NMDA receptor antagonist. These findings provide evidence that the in vivo activation of NMDA receptors may regulate the expression of this neurotrophin.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
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Glutamates / physiology
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Glutamic Acid
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Hippocampus / drug effects*
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Hippocampus / metabolism
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In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
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Injections, Intraventricular
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N-Methylaspartate / administration & dosage
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N-Methylaspartate / pharmacology*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Neuronal Plasticity
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Pyramidal Cells / drug effects
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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Rats
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / drug effects
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology*
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Stimulation, Chemical
Substances
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Glutamates
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
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Glutamic Acid
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N-Methylaspartate