Expression of Brain Derived Growth Factor in Hippocampus of Mid Gestational Human Fetuses

Abstract

Introduction: Brain Derived Growth Factor (BDNF) is a sub member of neurotrophin family and is a critical regulator of formation and plasticity of neuronal networks in hippocampal formation. It acts in an activity dependent manner and its expression is highly sensitive to developmental and environmental factors. Aim: To observe the expression of BDNF in the developing hippocampus of mid gestational aborted human fetuses. Materials and Methods: In the present study 15 aborted fetuses from 14 to 30 weeks of gestation, were procured from the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LN hospital after obtaining ethical clearance. For each gestational age the tissue was stained with cresylviolet and H&E to see the general morphology of hippocampus and immunostaining of the sections was done for the expression of BDNF. Results: Subparts of hippocampus including Ammons horn, subiculum and dentate gyrus were identified in all age groups. Immunostaining was detected in both cell bodies and fibers. Expression of BDNF was more marked in the pyramidal cells of hippocampus and granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus of higher gestational age groups as compared to lower ones. Conclusion: There is gradual increase in the BDNF expression as fetal age advances. Increased expression of BDNF in higher gestational age groups showed that neurotrophins like BDNF influence the neuronal differentiation and is important to neuronal survival.

Keywords

• granule cells
• hippocampal plate
• intermediate zone
• marginal zone
• pyramidal cells
• ventricle zone