Long-lasting BDNF signaling alterations in the amygdala of adolescent female rats exposed to the activity-based anorexia model.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a pathological fear of gaining weight, excessive physical exercise, and emotional instability. Since the amygdala is a key region for emotion processing and BDNF has been shown to play a critical role in this process, we hypothesized that alteration in the amygdalar BDNF system might underline vulnerability traits typical of AN patients. Methods: To this end, adolescent female rats have been exposed to the Activity-Based Anorexia (ABA) protocol, characterized by the combination of caloric restriction and intense physical exercise. Results: The induction of the anorexic phenotype caused hyperactivity and body weight loss in ABA animals. These changes were paralleled by amygdalar hypera

SUBMITTER: Mottarlini F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9772010 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature