Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on sodium-induced apoptosis in human olfactory neuroepithelial progenitor cells.

Low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) peptide are linked to the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the BDNF gene (BDNF) have been associated with bipolar illness. Since both elevated intracellular sodium and apoptosis are believed to contribute to cellular dysfunction in bipolar disorder, it is important to determine the effect of exogenous BDNF on apoptosis induced by the high levels of intracellular sodium seen in ill bipolar patients.