BDNF induces glutamate release in cerebrocortical nerve terminals and in cortical astrocytes

In this paper we report that BDNF is able to stimulate the release of gluta mate not only in cerebrocortical nerve terminals, but also in cortical astr ocytes. The process of glutamate release, in both nerve terminals and astro cytes, is dependent upon the extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ levels an d involves exocytosis, since tetanus toxin treatment abolishes the release of glutamate from both preparations. Further, preincubation of nerve termin als or astrocytes with K252a (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) inhibits BDNF-ev oked glutamate release, suggesting the involvement of Trk B receptors in th is process. In astrocytes, the level of BDNF-induced glutamate release is h igher in immature than in more mature cells. The results suggest a new path way of cross-talk between neurons and astrocytes, which may play a role in synaptic plasticity and neurotoxicity, NeuroReport 12:2673-2677 (C) 2001 Li ppincott Williams & Wilkins.