Expression of BDNF in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Mice With Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.

Abstract

Background/aim: Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease with high mortality and disability, causing motor dysfunction and cognitive impairments. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models of ischemic stroke are used for identifying therapeutic targets. Ischemic insults to the brain alter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in cortical and hippocampal neurons. In the present study, we investigated BDNF expression in the cortex and hippocampus of mice following MCAO.

Materials and methods: Monofilament sutures coated with silicone rubber were introduced into the common carotid artery and occluded middle cerebral artery. The filament was withdrawn for reperfusion after 0.5 h. BDNF protein expression was measured using western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed with anti-NeuN and anti-BDNF antibodies.

Results: BDNF expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was decreased one and three days after MCAO, compared to the control group (unoperated mice). BDNF was expressed in NeuN-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and motor cortex of the MCAO and control groups.

Conclusion: MCAO in mice reduced the expression of BDNF in mature neurons of both the motor cortex and hippocampus at one and three days after surgery.