Analysis of effects and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered BDNF

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the neurotrophin family and has been shown to be a potent and effective trophic factor for motor n eurons and other neurons of the peripheral and central nervous. Little is k nown, however, about the relationship between the efficacy and pharmacokine tics of s.c. administered BDNF. In this study, the efficacy of BDNF on moto r neuron protection in sciatic or facial nerve axotomy models was examined and compared with the concommitant concentrations of BDNF in plasma. Delaye d treatment (started at I week after surgery) of BDNF was also shown to ret ard choline acetyltransferase reduction in sciatic nerve axotomy models. Ne uroReport 12:1067-1072 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.