Gene and protein analysis of brain derived neurotrophic factor expression in relation to neurological recovery induced by an enriched environment in a rat stroke model

► Postischemic enriched environment improved motor function and increased synapse. ► RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining measured mature BDNF and proBDNF. ► No significant difference was detected in BDNF mRNA or BDNF proteins. ► ProBDNF, a pro-apoptotic factor, was first measured in association with enrichment. ► Improved function cannot be ascribed to decrease in proBDNF.