Changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in hippocampal formation in aged rats

Objective: To investigate the age-related changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in hippocam-pal formation in aged rats, so as to provide immunohistochemical datum for therapy of brain aging and age-associated dementia. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: young and aged group. Immunohistochemistry and imaging analysis were used to qualify and quantitate the expression of BDNF in hippocampal formation in 2 groups. Results: Compared with the young group, the BDNF levels in CA3 and CA1 in aged hippocampal formation decreased by 13. 3% and 10. 4%, respectively (F0. 05), while no obvious age-related change was found in dentate gyrus (P0. 05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the change of BDNF expression in CA3 and CA1 of aged hippocampal formation might be the morphological basis for the deficiency of neurotrophy in hippocampal formation and learning and memory ability.