[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

279. Steroids and Plasticity I
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 279.4/MM18
Topic: E.01.c. Steroids and plasticity
Support: NIH NS045T95
Title: Muscle-specific loss of brain-derived neurotrophic factor impairs motor function
Authors: *J. E. LEBOEUF 1,2 , E. N. OTTEM 4 , S. M. BREEDLOVE 3 , C. L. JORDAN 3 ;
2 Neurosci., 3 Psychology, 1 Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI; 4 Biol., Northern Michigan
Univ., Marquette, MI
Abstract: We set out to examine the role of skeletal muscle fiber-produced brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the survival and plasticity of an androgen-sensitive
neuromuscular system, the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB). To do this, we
genetically deleted BDNF from skeletal muscle fibers using the Cre/lox recombination system.
We crossed mice having a floxed BDNF gene (Jackson stock number 004339) with transgenic
mice possessing Cre recombinase driven by a human skeletal actin promoter resulting in
expression only in skeletal muscle fibers. Data based on PCR indicate a selective recombination
of the BDNF gene in skeletal muscle and not in other tissues. While the loss of muscle-derived
BDNF did not appear to interfere with the survival of the SNB system in male mice, it did lead to
a generalized disturbance in motor function. Adult BDNF skeletal muscle fiber knock-out
(BNDF mfKO) mice show deficits in rearing behavior and impaired muscle strength based on
hang and grip strength tests. BDNF smfKO mice also exhibited a clasping reflex consistent with
neuromuscular dysfunction. Such deficits were seen in both male and female BDNF smfKO
mice, indicating the effect of deleting muscle BDNF on motor function does not depend on sex.
These results suggest that muscle-derived BDNF plays a critical role in motor function.
Disclosures: J.E. LeBoeuf, None; E.N. Ottem, None; S.M. Breedlove, None; C.L. Jordan,
None.
Poster
279. Steroids and Plasticity I
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 279.5/MM19