PMID- 17918107 OWN - NLM STAT- MEDLINE DCOM- 20080211 LR - 20220318 IS - 0210-0010 (Print) IS - 0210-0010 (Linking) VI - 45 IP - 7 DP - 2007 Oct 1-15 TI - [Memory coding and retention: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in synaptic plasticity]. PG - 409-17 AB - INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that the long-term modifications that take place in synaptic transmission constitute the foundation of the processes by which information stored. The neurotrophin called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has recently emerged as a powerful molecular mediator in central synaptic plasticity. DEVELOPMENT: In this work we review the studies that have represented a significant step forward in explaining the role played by BDNF in long-term synaptic plasticity. The effects of BDNF on synaptic plasticity can be of a permissive nature, whereby it establishes the conditions under which plastic changes can take place, or it may be instructive. In this latter case it exerts direct effects that bring about changes in the communication and morphology of the synapses. The actions carried out by BDNF include its capacity to contribute to the stabilisation and maturation of already-existing synapses, as well as to generate new synaptic contacts. One important finding that highlights the participation of this neurotrophin in synaptic plasticity is the observation that adding BDNF gives rise to drastic long-term increases in synaptic transmission, similar to the long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and neocortex of mammals. CONCLUSIONS: Because BDNF modulates both the electrical properties and the structural organisation of the synapse, this neurotrophin has been considered to be an important marker during learning and memory processes. FAU - Gomez-Palacio Schjetnan, A AU - Gomez-Palacio Schjetnan A AD - Division de Investigacion y Estudios de Posgrado, Facultad de Psicologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico DF, Mexico. FAU - Escobar-Rodriguez, M L AU - Escobar-Rodriguez ML LA - spa PT - English Abstract PT - Journal Article PT - Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't PT - Review TT - Codificacion y retencion de la memoria: el factor neurotrofico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) en la plasticidad sinaptica. PL - Spain TA - Rev Neurol JT - Revista de neurologia JID - 7706841 RN - 0 (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) SB - IM MH - Animals MH - Behavior/physiology MH - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/*metabolism MH - Cell Communication/physiology MH - Cerebral Cortex/anatomy & histology/physiology MH - Humans MH - Learning/*physiology MH - Memory/*physiology MH - Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology MH - Synapses/*physiology/ultrastructure MH - Synaptic Transmission/physiology RF - 111 EDAT- 2007/10/06 09:00 MHDA- 2008/02/12 09:00 CRDT- 2007/10/06 09:00 PHST- 2007/10/06 09:00 [pubmed] PHST- 2008/02/12 09:00 [medline] PHST- 2007/10/06 09:00 [entrez] AID - rn2006551 [pii] PST - ppublish SO - Rev Neurol. 2007 Oct 1-15;45(7):409-17.