Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a regulator of synaptic transmission in the adult visual thalamus
Matthew J. Van Hook
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. In the visual system, BDNF is transported along retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons to the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), although it is not known how it influences mature dLGN function. Here, BDNF enhanced thalamocortical relay neuron responses to signals arising from RGC axons in the dLGN, pointing toward an important role for BDNF in processing signals en route to the visual cortex.
Topics & Concepts
NeuroscienceBrain-derived neurotrophic factorTropomyosin receptor kinase BExcitatory postsynaptic potentialBiologyNeurotrophic factorsPostsynaptic potentialLateral geniculate nucleusChemistryRetinaInhibitory postsynaptic potentialReceptorBiochemistryNerve injury and regenerationRetinal Development and DisordersNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research