title: BDNF and NT-4/5 enhance glutamatergic synaptic transmission in cultured hippocampal neurones.
abstract: The effects of BDNF and NT-4/5 on AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission were investigated with the patch clamp technique applied to embryonic and post-natal rat hippocampal neurones, cultured in serum-free medium. Spatially restricted application of neurotrophin-containing solution on to the recorded cells was performed and evoked as well as miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mepscs) were monitored. In approximately 25% of neurones tested a transient augmentation of evoked synaptic currents and a transient increase in the frequency of mepscs occurred with a delay of 0.5-5 min after the onset of BDNF or NT-4/5 application. The amplitudes of the AMPA receptor mediated mepscs were unaffected, suggesting a presynaptic action of BDNF and NT-4/5.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Neurobiochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lessmann
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gottmann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heumann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005333:Fetus; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000502:physiology*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C071951:neurotrophin 5; D018698:Glutamic Acid; C073922:neurotrophin 4