Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Bcl-2 expression in rat brain areas following chronic morphine treatment

摘要

The ventral tegmental area and the locus coeruleus are associated with psychological and physical dependence of opioid addiction. To date, very little is known about brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Bcl-2 gene and protein changes following morphine addiction. The present study utilized immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques, which revealed that there were increased BDNF levels, but decreased Bcl-2 levels in the prefrontal cortex, locus coeruleus, hippocampus, and the ventral tegmental area during morphine-dependence formation and abstinence. However, the levels of BDNF remained unchanged, and Bcl-2 expression was increased in the nucleus accumbens. These results showed that BDNF and Bcl-2 are involved in the development of morphine dependence, and precipitation of abstinence syndrome.