[Memory coding and retention: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in synaptic plasticity]. / Codificación y retención de la memoria: el factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) en la plasticidad sináptica.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that the long-term modifications that take place in synaptic transmission constitute the foundation of the processes by which information stored. The neurotrophin called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has recently emerged as a powerful molecular mediator in central synaptic plasticity. DEVELOPMENT: In this work we review the studies that have represented a significant step forward in explaining the role played by BDNF in long-term synaptic plasticity. The effects of BDNF on synaptic plasticity can be of a permissive nature, whereby it establishes the conditions under which plastic changes can take place, or it may be instructive. In this latter case it exerts direct effects that bring about changes in the communication and morphology of the synapses. The actions carried out by BDNF include its capacity to contribute to the stabilisation and maturation of already-existing synapses, as well as to generate new synaptic contacts. One important finding that highlights the participation of this neurotrophin in synaptic plasticity is the observation that adding BDNF gives rise to drastic long-term increases in synaptic transmission, similar to the long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and neocortex of mammals. CONCLUSIONS: Because BDNF modulates both the electrical properties and the structural organisation of the synapse, this neurotrophin has been considered to be an important marker during learning and memory processes.

Codificación y retención de la memoria: el factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) en la plasticidad sináptica / Memory conding and retention: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (DCNF) in synaptic plasticity

Se ha propuesto que las modificaciones de larga duración que tienen lugar en la transmisión sinápticaconstituyen la base de los procesos de almacenamiento de información. La neurotrofina denominada factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) ha emergido recientemente como un potente mediador molecular de la plasticidad sináptica central. Desarrollo. En este trabajo se revisan los estudios que han representado un avance significativo en el esclarecimientodel papel que desempeña el BDNF en la plasticidad sináptica de larga duración. Los efectos del BDNF en la plasticidad sináptica pueden ser de naturaleza tanto permisiva, estableciendo las condiciones para que los cambios plásticos puedan llevarse a cabo, como instructiva, ejerciendo efectos directos que producen cambios en la comunicación y morfología de las sinapsis.Entre las acciones del BDNF se encuentra su capacidad de coadyuvar en la estabilización y maduración de las sinapsis ya existentes, así como de generar nuevos contactos sinápticos. Un hallazgo de gran relevancia que subraya la participación de esta neurotrofina en la plasticidad sináptica lo constituye la observación de que la adición de BDNF produce drásticosincrementos de larga duración en la transmisión sináptica, similares a la potenciación a largo plazo en el hipocampo y la neocorteza de los mamíferos. Conclusión. En virtud de que el BDNF modula tanto las propiedades eléctricas como la organizaciónestructural de la sinapsis, esta neurotrofina se ha considerado como un importante señalizador durante los procesos de aprendizaje y memoria

It has been suggested that the long-term modifications that take place in synaptic transmission constitutethe foundation of the processes by which information stored. The neurotrophin called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has recently emerged as a powerful molecular mediator in central synaptic plasticity. Development. In this work wereview the studies that have represented a significant step forward in explaining the role played by BDNF in long-term synaptic plasticity. The effects of BDNF on synaptic plasticity can be of a permissive nature, whereby it establishes the conditions under which plastic changes can take place, or it may be instructive. In this latter case it exerts direct effects that bring about changes in the communication and morphology of the synapses. The actions carried out by BDNF include its capacity to contribute to the stabilisation and maturation of already-existing synapses, as well as to generate new synapticcontacts. One important finding that highlights the participation of this neurotrophin in synaptic plasticity is the observation that adding BDNF gives rise to drastic long-term increases in synaptic transmission, similar to the long-term potentiation inthe hippocampus and neocortex of mammals. Conclusions. Because BDNF modulates both the electrical properties and the structural organisation of the synapse, this neurotrophin has been considered to be an important marker during learning andmemory processes