[Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: the influence on the genetically and epigenetically determined behavioral disorders].

Recent investigations have widened the knowledge concerning the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The review concentrates on the data of literature and original data of authors on BDNF effects on genetically and epigenetically defined behavioral disorders. Specifically it describes the implication of the brain serotonergic system and the role of genotype in the neuroprotective effects of BDNF. The review provides evidence that: 1) genes encoding key elements of the brain serotonergic system (tryptophan hydroxylase-2, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors) are implicated in the effect ofBDNF; 2) acute central administration of BDNF produced long-term ameliorative effects on some animal models of genetically defined behavior disorders; 3) BDNF decreased behavioral disorders induced by prenatal stress and ethanol exposure and may play an important role in the treatment of epigenetically defined pathological behavior.