Pre- and postnatal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA/protein and tyrosine protein kinase receptor B mRNA in the mouse hippocampus

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the control of hi ppocampal development. In this study, we have analyzed the developmental ex pression of BDNF mRNA/protein and its receptor tyrosine protein kinase rece ptor (trk) B mRNA in the mouse hippocampus by competitive reverse transcrip tion/polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunoassay. Cell-type spe cificity of BDNF/trkB expression was studied in primary hippocampal culture s. BDNF levels increased stepwise from embryonic day 15 until the second po stnatal week, whereas trkB expression was stable throughout development. Ne urons and astrocytes expressed both BDNF and trkB. Our data suggest that de velopmental BDNF action mainly occurs postnatally and indicates that hippoc ampal neurons and astroglia not only produce BDNF but also appear to be tar gets for BDNF. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.