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Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein concentrations in mice lacking brain serotonin

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Abstract

The interplay between BDNF signaling and the serotonergic system remains incompletely understood. Using a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we studied BDNF concentrations in hippocampus and cortex of two mouse models of altered serotonin signaling: tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph)2-deficient (Tph2 /) mice lacking brain serotonin and serotonin transporter (SERT)-deficient (SERT−/−) mice lacking serotonin re-uptake. Surprisingly, hippocampal BDNF was significantly elevated in Tph2 / mice, whereas no significant changes were observed in SERT−/− mice. Furthermore, BDNF levels were increased in the prefrontal cortex of Tph2 / but not of SERT−/− mice. Our results emphasize the interaction between serotonin signaling and BDNF. Complete lack of brain serotonin induces BDNF expression.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Center for Stroke Research Berlin to K.G. and G.K.) and DFG Grant KL 2805/1-1 to F.K. We would like to thank Thorsten Riepenhausen, Silvia Saft, and Sabine Grueger for excellent technical support.

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Correspondence to Friederike Klempin.

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Golo Kronenberg and Valentina Mosienko have contributed equally to this work.

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Kronenberg, G., Mosienko, V., Gertz, K. et al. Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein concentrations in mice lacking brain serotonin. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 266, 281–284 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-015-0611-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-015-0611-3

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