Posted by SLS on January 26, 2009, at 16:58:42
Brain-Derived-Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a substance that is responsible for supporting the viability of neurons and glia in the brain. Brain cells die without it.
Levels of the factor in blood decreases during manic or depressive episodes in proportion to severity. Because BDNF tends to normalize with effective treatment and euthymia, BDNF levels may be a useful tool and biomarker of active bipolar illness.
People with lower BDNF have smaller hippocampii. The hippocampus is responsible for memory (among other things).
Recent studies indicate that BDNF levels in the blood reflect levels in the brain.
Now, it is reported that intravenous administration of BDNF produces antidepressant-like behavioral effects in mice. It also fosters the growth of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. This suggests the possibility that peripheral BDNF administration might act as an antidepressant and agent for neurogenesis.
It may be that low levels of BDNF are not only the result of affective disorders, but it might also act to help perpetuate the dysregulation producing an episode.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:876377
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/876377.html