Monoaminergic neuronal activity up-regulates BDNF synthesis in cultured neonatal rat astrocytes.

Astrocytes as an active part of the tripartite synapse can respond to the synaptically released neurotransmitters. Because brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is produced by astrocytes, in addition to neurons, we focused our present study on the regulatory effects of monoamines noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) on the synthesis of BDNF protein in rat neonatal astrocytes from specific brain regions (cortex, cerebellum). All tested neurotransmitters are able to potently and transiently increase BDNF cellular contents; their maximal effects are dose and time dependent and differ between the two brain regions.

Differences in the regulation of BDNF and NGF synthesis in cultured neonatal rat astrocytes.

Using a new brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) specific enzyme-immunoassay, we determined the basal cellular content of BDNF protein in neonatal rat astrocytes in primary culture, thus confirming the ability of astrocytes to synthesize BDNF in addition to nerve growth factor (NGF). We subsequently monitored the influence of different pharmacological agents: neurotransmitter receptor agonists, cytokines, and second messenger up-regulators, on the synthesis of BDNF and NGF. Marked differences in the regulation of their synthesis by the above pharmacological agents were observed in our study.