Expression of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Tyrosine Kinase B in Cerebellum of Poststroke Depression Rat Model

Abstract

Background:The pathophysiology of poststroke depression (PSD) remains elusive because of its proposed multifactorial nature. Accumulating evidence suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of depression and PSD. And the cerebellar dysfunction may be important in the etiology of depression; it is not clear whether it also has a major effect on the risk of PSD. This study aimed to explore the expression of BDNF and high-affinity receptors tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) in the cerebellum of rats with PSD.Methods:The rat models with focal cerebral ischemic were made using a thread embolization method. PSD rat models were established with comprehensive separate breeding and unpredicted chronic mild stress (UCMS) on this basis. A normal control group, depression group, and a stroke group were used to compare with the PSD group. Thirteen rats were used in each group. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting the expression of BDNF and TrkB protein and mRNA in the cerebellum were used at the 29th day following the UCMS.Results:Compared with the normal control group and the stroke group, the number of BDNF immunoreactive (IR) positive neurons was less in the PSD group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of TrkB IR positive cells was significantly less in the PSD group than that in the normal control group (P < 0.05). The gene expression of BDNF and TrkB in the cerebellum of PSD rats also decreased compared to the normal control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:These findings suggested a possible association between expression of BDNF and TrkB in the cerebellum and the pathogenesis of PSD.

Reduced Amygdala Microglial Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Tyrosine Kinase Receptor B (TrkB) in a Rat Model of Poststroke Depression

“…In the present study, PSD rats exhibited significantly lower sucrose preference, rearing activity, and locomotor activity compared with stroke alone, depression alone, and control groups at 4 and 8 weeks after CUMS, indicating a more severe depression-like phenotype. This finding is consistent with our previous research and literature search results [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Novel TMS for Stroke and Depression (NoTSAD): Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Post-stroke Depression

“…Therapeutic benefit is likely achieved through multiple mechanisms enhancing neuroplasticity, increasing available concentrations of critical neurotransmitters, and reinforcing emotionally positive connectivity networks while diminishing connectivity in emotionally negative loops (26)(27)(28). Low levels of peripheral and central brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) have been observed in depressed individuals as well as those who develop PSD (29)(30)(31)(32)(33). Glutamate is emerging as another biomarker for treatment response with increased radiolabeled activity in the DLPFC following stimulation (34).…”

Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Depressive-Like Behaviors in Poststroke Rats via Activating the tPA/BDNF/TrkB Pathway

“…4 Studies have shown that BDNF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PSD. 29 Clinical studies have revealed that patients with PSD have a lower level of serum BDNF 30 and ischemic stroke patients with low serum BDNF have a much higher risk for PSD. 31 In this study, PSD rats revealed a significant reduction in serum level of BDNF.…”