Low Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in serum of depressed patients probably results from lowered platelet BDNF release unrelated to platelet reactivity

Our results suggest that an alteration of serum or plasma BDNF is not due to the change in blood BDNF but rather is probably related to mechanisms of BDNF release. Secretion of BDNF seems to be independent of platelet reactivity; other mechanisms are therefore probably involved and need to be elucidated.