Low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase receptor B are related to loss of dentate granule cells after prolonged low-protein feeding in the rat

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2002

Authors

Mesquita, RM (Author) Other; Pereira, PA (Author) FMUP; Andrade, JP (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Neuroscience Letters

Vol. 330

Pages: 155-158

ISSN: 0304-3940

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 15 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Basic medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-MZ4

DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00743-7

Abstract (EN): Protein deprivation leads to neuronal and synaptic loss in the hippocampal formation, and to behavioral changes. We suggested that these effects could result from alterations in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). To investigate this issue, adult rats were submitted to protein deprivation for 6 months and compared with controls. The number of neurons of the dentate gyrus granular layer containing BDNF and TrkB was estimated from immunostained sections and the mRNA levels of BDNF and TrkB evaluated using in situ hybridization. After treatment, there was a loss of BDNF- and TrkB-immunoreactive cells and a reduction of the mRNA levels. Thus, it is likely that the decreased neurotrophic activity in the dentate gyrus of malnourished animals underpins neuronal degeneration and the ensuing behavioral alterations. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4