The Role of BDNF Expression In Chronic Ethanol Usage

Authors

Caleb Porter, Brigham Young University
Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, ventral tegmental area, chronic ethanol usage

College

Life Sciences

Department

Neuroscience

Abstract

It has been observed that chronic exposure to drugs of abuse, particularly opiates, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons. In particular, BDNF expression is dramatically increased during drug withdrawal, which would suggest a direct connection between the aversive state of withdrawal and BDNFinduced neuronal plasticity. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which is dramatically increased within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) during drug abuse, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Recommended Citation

Porter, Caleb and Steffensen, Scott (2017) "The Role of BDNF Expression In Chronic Ethanol Usage," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017: Iss. 1, Article 60.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/60