Epigenetic modifications induced by early enrichment are associated with changes in timing of induction of BDNF expression

► In rodents, communal nest (CN) rearing is an early social enrichment. ► CN rearing markedly affects brain function and behavior at adulthood. ► CN leads to epigenetic changes: high levels of histone acetylation at the BDNF gene structure. ► Such changes modify the rapidity of induction of protein expression after a challenge. ► The epigenetic changes do not modify the BDNF levels at steady-state conditions.