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Amygdala – and serum – neurotrophic factor levels depend on rearing condition in male rats

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2018

S. Babri
Affiliation:
Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
G. Mohaddes
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
B. Mosaferi*
Affiliation:
Department of Basic Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
*
Author for correspondence: B. Mosaferi, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, East Azerbaijan 51666-14766, Iran. E-mail: b.mosaferi82@gmail.com; Mosaferib@tbzmed.ac.ir

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.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2018 

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