Abstract
Anatomical and molecular abnormalities of excitatory neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are found in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein capable of increasing pyramidal neuron spine density and augmenting synaptic efficacy of glutamate, may be abnormally expressed in the DLPFC of patients with schizophrenia. Using an RNase protection assay and Western blotting, we detected a significant reduction in BDNF mRNA (mean=23%) and protein (mean=40%) in the DLPFC of patients with schizophrenia compared to normal individuals. At the cellular level, BDNF mRNA was expressed at varying intensities in pyramidal neurons throughout layers II, III, V, and VI of DLPFC. In patients with schizophrenia; neuronal BDNF expression was decreased in layers III, V and VI. Our study demonstrates a reduction in BDNF production and availability in the DLPFC of schizophrenics, and suggests that intrinsic cortical neurons, afferent neurons, and target neurons may receive less trophic support in this disorder.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
