Effect of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a small-molecule TrkB agonist, on emotional learning.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Despite increasing awareness of the many important roles played by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation of TrkB, a fuller understanding of this system and the use of potential TrkB-acting therapeutic agents has been limited by the lack of any identified small-molecule TrkB agonists that fully mimic the actions of BDNF at brain TrkB receptors in vivo. However, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) has recently been identified as a specific TrkB agonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier after oral or intraperitoneal administration. The authors combined pharmacological, biochemical, and behavioral approaches in a preclinical study examining the role of 7,8-DHF in modulating emotional memory in mice.

Method

The authors first examined the ability of systemic

SUBMITTER: Andero R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3770732 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature