Source Paper
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Produces Antidepressant Effects in Behavioral Models of Depression
Yukihiko Shirayama, Andrew C.-H. Chen, Shin Nakagawa, David S. Russell, Ronald S. Duman
Journal of Neuroscience • 2002
Forced Swim Test
Objective: To assess antidepressant effects of BDNF infusion into the hippocampus using the forced swim test behavioral model of depression
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Protocol Steps
Bilateral BDNF infusion into dentate gyrus
Administer a single bilateral infusion of BDNF into the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus
Note: This is the primary intervention being tested for antidepressant effects
View evidence from paper
“A single bilateral infusion of BDNF into the dentate gyrus of hippocampus produced an antidepressant effect”
Conduct forced swim test at 3 days post-infusion
Perform forced swim test to assess antidepressant effects of BDNF infusion
Note: Effects were observed as early as 3 days after infusion
View evidence from paper
“These effects were observed as early as 3 d after a single infusion of BDNF”
Conduct forced swim test at 10 days post-infusion
Perform forced swim test to assess duration of antidepressant effects
Note: Effects lasted for at least 10 days post-infusion
View evidence from paper
“lasted for at least 10 d”
Test alternative neurotrophins
Conduct forced swim test following infusion of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and nerve growth factor as comparison treatments
Note: NT-3 produced similar antidepressant effects while NGF did not
View evidence from paper
“Similar effects were observed with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) but not nerve growth factor”
Assess locomotor activity
Measure locomotor activity to confirm that BDNF and NT-3 infusions do not produce non-specific increases in motor activity
Note: Infusions did not influence locomotor activity, indicating specificity of antidepressant effects
View evidence from paper
“Infusions of BDNF and NT-3 did not influence locomotor activity”
Assess passive avoidance
Measure passive avoidance behavior to confirm that BDNF and NT-3 infusions do not produce non-specific cognitive effects
Note: Infusions did not influence passive avoidance, indicating specificity of antidepressant effects
View evidence from paper
“Infusions of BDNF and NT-3 did not influence passive avoidance”