Effect of Methadone Maintenance on Expression of BDNF and CREB Genes in Brain VTA of Male Morphine Treated Rats

Author(s):  
Marzieh Rezai ◽  
Mohammad Reza Hajizadeh ◽  
Mehdi Mahmoodi ◽  
Seyedeh Atekeh Torabizadeh ◽  
Mojgan Noroozi Karimabad

Background: Morphine independent reduces the expression level of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding protein (CREB). BDNF and CREB play a vital role in protecting and regulating the proper functioning of neurons. There has not been any study on the effect of methadone maintenance treatment and its comparison with morphine. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of methadone maintenance on the expression of BDNF and CREB genes in brain VTA of male morphine treated rats Methods: I Morphine independent reduces the expression level of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding protein (CREB). BDNF and CREB play a vital role in protecting and regulating the proper functioning of neurons. There has not been any study on the effect of methadone maintenance treatment and its comparison with morphine. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of methadone maintenance on the expression of BDNF and CREB genes in brain VTA of male morphine treated rats Results: According to the findings of this study, similar to morphine treated group, methadone maintenance in morphine treated animals led to significant reduction in the expression of BDNF and CREB genes at VTA as well as BDNF serum level compared with control group. Conclusion: It was concluded that methadone, like morphine, causes significant reduction in the expression of BDNF and CREB genes in brain VTA area of rat as well as BDNF serum level compared with control group.

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