Expression of BDNF protein in rat after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Objective To study the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) protein in MCAO rat model and to discuss the protective mechanisms.Methods The rats in ischemia-reperfusion group were operated according to the modified MCAO method. The method of SP immunostaining was used to study the expression of BDNF protein.Results The most marked increase in BDNF protein expression occurred in neurons in the center and the border zone of the infarct.Fifteen minutes after reperfusion, a diffuse expression of BDNF was found, which further intensified until 1 h. The level of BDNF attained the peak at 2 h,began to decline at 4 h and reached the control level at 24 h.Conclusions High level of BDNF expression persists for a short time following ischemia-reperfusion injury of brain. It is an endogenous self-protective mechanism for helping to maintain neuron survival and to recover neural function.