Article contents
Amygdala – and serum – neurotrophic factor levels depend on rearing condition in male rats
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2018
Abstract
Early life experiences could determine brain and behavioral development. Neurotrophic factors are likely to mediate the effects of the experience on brain structures and function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a central role in psychiatric disorders. To investigate the effects of early rearing condition on the amygdala – and serum – BDNF levels, we reared male Wistar rats from weaning (postnatal days 21) to adulthood (postnatal days 119) in three different rearing conditions: (1) enriched, (2) standard and (3) isolated. We found that long-term post-weaning environmental enrichment leads to lower amygdala – and serum – BDNF levels as well as lower brain weights. Grouped rearing in standard laboratory cages enhanced body weight. Thus, early rearing condition might play a crucial role in adult healthiness by predetermining individual BDNF profiles.
Keywords
- Type
- Brief Report
- Information
- Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 9 , Issue 4: Themed Issue: French DOHaD , August 2018 , pp. 377 - 380
- Copyright
- © Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2018
References
- 1
- Cited by