Behavioral phenotyping of a rat model of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism reveals selective impairment of fear memory.

ABSTRACT: The common brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is associated with reduced activity-dependent BDNF release and increased risk for anxiety disorders and PTSD. Here we behaviorally phenotyped a novel Val66Met rat model with an equivalent valine to methionine substitution in the rat Bdnf gene (Val68Met). In a three-day fear conditioning protocol of fear learning and extinction, adult rats with the Met/Met genotype demonstrated impaired fear memory compared to Val/Met rats and Val/Val controls, with no genotype differences in fear learning or extinction. This deficit in fear memory occurred irrespective of the sex of the animals and was not seen in adolescence (4 weeks of age). There were no changes in open-field locomotor activity or anxiety measured in the elevated

SUBMITTER: Jaehne EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8901920 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature