Project Summary

De-Maw Chuang, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2002) of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH/NIH), hypothesizes that the release and synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is induced by mood-stabilizers and requires this action for neuroprotective effects, and also serves as a common or key inducer for many cellular events involved in mediating the neuroprotective actions of mood-stabilizers.  With the availability of the BDNF-neutralizing antibody, BDNF knockout mice and postmortem brain tissues, Dr. Chuang will have the unique opportunity to test the roles of BDNF in mediating the neuroprotective effects of mood-stabilizers and the potential role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.  It is anticipated that the information obtained from this proposed study will advance understanding of the mechanisms and actions of mood-stabilizers, particularly with respect to neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.  The study may also shed light on the pathophysiology of this illness.  It will also strengthen Dr. Chuang's hypothesis that mood-stabilizing drugs may have expanded use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases linked to excitotoxicity such as stroke and Huntington's disease.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

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