On the interaction between BDNF and serotonin systems: The effects of long-term ethanol consumption in mice.

We investigated the effect of chronic (6 weeks) consumption of 10% alcohol on the principal elements of BDNF (BDNF, proBDNF, p75, and TrkB receptors) and 5-HT (5-HT, 5-HIAA, tryptophan hydroxylase-2 [Tph-2], 5-HT transporter [5-HTT], 5-HT, 5-HT, and 5-HT receptors) systems in the brain of C57Bl/6 mice. BDNF mRNA level in the raphe nuclei area and BDNF protein level in the hippocampus were lowered in ethanol-treated mice. The increase in proBDNF protein level in the raphe nuclei area, cortex, and amygdala and the increase of p75 receptor protein levels in the raphe nuclei area were revealed after ethanol exposure.