Effects of R-(−)-BPAP on the Expressions of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Mesencephalic Slices

R-(−)-1-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propylaminopentane [R-(−)-BPAP] enhances electric field stimulation-induced release of catecholamine from isolated brain stem and ameliorates motor deficits in rats. We evaluated the effects of R-(−)-BPAP on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and their receptors, trkB and p75NTR in rat mesencephalic slice cultures. Levels of mRNA and protein were measured at 48 h after R-(−)-BPAP treatment by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. R-(−)-BPAP significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF, without affecting the level of NT-3 mRNA. In addition, R-(−)-BPAP significantly increased the mRNA level of trkB, but not that of p75NTR. These effects of R-(−)-BPAP may result in enhanced BDNF/trkB signaling, and could thus underlie the potential neurotrophic and antidepressant actions of this drug.