Activation of BDNF mRNA and protein after seizures in hyperbaric oxygen: Implications for sensitization to seizures in re-exposures

• Published in: Neurochemical research Vol. 27; no. 12; pp. 1649 - 1653
• Main Authors: CHAVKO, Mikulas, NADI, N. Suzan, KEYSER, David O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Springer 01.12.2002; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animals; Base Sequence; Biological and medical sciences; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - administration & dosage; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - genetics; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - metabolism; DNA Primers; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger - genetics; Seizures - genetics; Seizures - metabolism; Rats; brain derived neurotrophic factor; oxygen toxicity
• ISSN: 0364-3190; 1573-6903
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1021687011281

Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to convulsive doses of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) increases sensitivity to seizures in re-exposures. Because brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is induced after a variety of seizures and increases cell excitability, it may contribute to the mechanism of sensitization. In this study, a fast induction in BDNF mRNA 2 hr after seizures and a temporary increase in BDNF protein 1 day after seizures induced by 100% O2 at 5 atm (gauge pressure) were demonstrated in the rat cortex. To determine whether an elevation in BDNF protein level can modify sensitivity to the toxic effect of HBO, recombinant BDNF (12 microg) was injected into cerebral ventricles 30 min prior to exposure. Administration of exogenous BDNF significantly shortened latent time to seizures in HBO exposures. We propose that upregulation of BDNF expression in the brain after seizures may contribute to sensitization to HBO toxicity.