Brain-derived neurotrophic factor response in vulnerable and resilient genetic lines in the chick anxiety–depression model

Altered BDNF-mediated synaptogenesis is a major contributor to stress-vulnerability and depression. This study sought to determine patterns of hippocampal BDNF expression in stress-vulnerable and -resilient strains in the chick anxiety–depression model. Socially raised Black Australorp and Production Red strains were tested at 5–6 days post hatch under either 30, 60, 90, or 120 min of social separation stress; chicks tested with 2 social companions for 120 min served as controls. Distress vocalizations were recorded throughout the test session and latency to behavioral despair calculated. Following tests, bilateral hippocampal sections were harvested and analyzed via ELISA for BDNF levels. Black Australorps had shorter latencies to behavioral despair than Production Reds reflecting greater stress vulnerability. No differences were detected in BDNF levels between a No-Test and Social group within or between strains. The stress resilient Production Reds showed stable BDNF levels across the isolation test period whereas the vulnerable Black Australorps showed an increase in hippocampal BDNF levels that peaked at 90 min and declined thereafter. These findings fit well with the notion that strain-dependent stress-vulnerability reflects, in part, poor homeostatic mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis.

► Altered BDNF-mediated synaptogenesis is a contributor to stress-vulnerability and depression.
► Black Australorps show greater stress vulnerability and altered hippocampal BDNF levels.
► Production Reds show greater stress resiliency and stable BDNF levels across the test period.
► Stress vulnerability reflects alterations in homeostatic mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis.