1-desamino-8-D-arginin-vasopressin, DDAVP, increases the content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in blood plasma of rats in model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to analyze the effect of an agonist of vasopressin type 2 receptors, 1-desamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin, DDAVP, on the content of the brain neurotrophic factor, BDNF, in the hippocampus and blood plasma of rats exposed to vital stress. Material and methods. The study carried out on female Wistar rats divided into 4 groups: first group included control animals, 2 those who received DDAVP intranasally in small doses (once 2 ∙ 109 g, course 20 ∙ 109 g), 3 those who exposed to the stress of a threat to life caused by the experience of the death of a partner from the actions of a tiger python, 4 those who exposed to stress and received DDAVP. BDNF concentration in samples was measured by immunohistochemical method. Results. An increase in the content of BDNF in blood plasma in rats exposed to acute psychogenic stress and received DDAVP therapy was revealed on the tenth day after stress. There was no effect of stress, DDAVP, or their combined effect on the BDNF content in the homogenate of hippocampal tissues. Conclusion. The results of this pilot study indicate that DDAVP has a modulatory effect on BDNF metabolism in rats exposed to vital stress. It is assumed that an increase in the level of neurotrophin in the blood of rats reflects the activation of compensatory processes.