BDNF-Val66Met-polymorphism impact on cortical plasticity in schizophrenia patients: a proof-of-concept study.

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be a moderator of neuroplasticity. A frequent BDNF-polymorphism (Val66Met) is associated with impairments of cortical plasticity. In patients with schizophrenia, reduced neuroplastic responses following non-invasive brain stimulation have been reported consistently.

Dysfunctional long-term potentiation-like plasticity in schizophrenia revealed by transcranial direct current stimulation.

Neural and cortical plasticity represent the ability of the brain to reorganize its function in response to a challenge. Plasticity involves changing synaptic activity and connectivity. Long-term-potentiation is one important mechanism underlying these synaptic changes.