The neurotrophin-Trk receptor pathway is an intrinsic pathway to relieve damage to the central nervous system. The present study observed the effects of Tongluo Jiunao (TLJN), which comprises Panax Notoginseng and G...The neurotrophin-Trk receptor pathway is an intrinsic pathway to relieve damage to the central nervous system. The present study observed the effects of Tongluo Jiunao (TLJN), which comprises Panax Notoginseng and Gardenia Jasminoides, on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemic injury. Xue Sai Tong (XST), comprising Panax Notoginseng, served as the positive control. Mechanisms of neuroprotection were analyzed following TLJN injection. Following establishment of the middle cerebral artery occlusion models, TLJN and XST were intraperitoneally injected, and 2, 3 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining results revealed that TLJN injection reduced infarct volume, suggesting that TLJN exerted a neuroprotective effect. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that TLJN elevated BDNF and growth associated protein-43 expression in ischemic brain tissues, as well as serum BDNF levels. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot results showed that TLJN injection did not affect TrkB expression in the ischemic brain tissues of rats. These results suggested that TLJN injection reduced damage to ischemic brain tissues and increased BDNF expression. In addition, TLJN injection resulted in better promoting effects on neurotrophic factor expression compared with XST.展开更多
The present study utilized beta amyloid (Aβ)-induced cell apoptosis in PC12 cells as a cell model of Alzheimer's disease to investigate the interaction between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the tr...The present study utilized beta amyloid (Aβ)-induced cell apoptosis in PC12 cells as a cell model of Alzheimer's disease to investigate the interaction between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor. Results showed that Aβ(25-35) can reduce survival of PC12 cells and increase cleaved caspase-3 expression in PC12 cells. However, BDNF inhibited Aβ(25-35)-induced cytotoxicity and cleaved casapase-3 expression. Interestingly, pretreatment with the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor inhibitor K252a for 20 minutes prior to BDNF blocked the neuroprotective effect of BDNF on PC12 cells.展开更多
Background: Pruritus is a distressing symptom of cholestatic, inflammatory, and malignant liver diseases. It is a common symptom in many biliary and cholestatic disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Sever...Background: Pruritus is a distressing symptom of cholestatic, inflammatory, and malignant liver diseases. It is a common symptom in many biliary and cholestatic disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Several mechanisms are generally accepted as possible explanations to the underlying basis of itch. However, the exact pathophysiology of pruritus in liver diseases remains unclear. The cutaneous and central neurobiology of pruritus is complex and underlies a regulation of variable mechanisms. At present, not all mechanisms including neuromediators and receptors are known. Objective: Our objective is to evaluate whether the expression pattern of NGF and its receptor TrK A has a role in pruritus in a group of Egyptian cirrhotic patients. Patients and Methods: Forty Patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study depending on clinical evidence of stigmata of chronic liver disease (e.g. jaundice, ascites, palmar erythema, spider naevi, etc.) and ultrasonographic features of liver cirrhosis (e.g. coarse echo texture, shrunken liver, etc.). Patients were divided into two groups. Group (1): included 20 patients cirrhotic patients without pruritus. Group (2): included 20 patients cirrhotic patients with pruritus. A group of age and sex matched healthy twenty volunteers as a control. Results: After evaluation of histopathological using hematoxylin and eosin stained sections (H&E) was done. There was positive correlation between NGF protein expression and severity of pruritus in cirrhotic patients with pruritus (r = 0.876, p value ≤ 0.001). Also there was positive correlation between TrK A protein expression and severity of pruritus in cirrhotic patients with pruritus (r = 0.44, p value ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: We report, for the first time, role of these proteins (NGF/TrK A) in the mechanism of pruritus in cirrhotic patients and may provide a potential target for new treatment of pruritus in cirrhotic.展开更多
During the development of the nervous system,there is an overproduction of neurons and synapses.Hebbian competition between neighboring nerve endings and synapses performing different activity levels leads to their el...During the development of the nervous system,there is an overproduction of neurons and synapses.Hebbian competition between neighboring nerve endings and synapses performing different activity levels leads to their elimination or strengthening.We have extensively studied the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor neurotrophic retrograde pathway,at the neuromuscular junction,in the axonal development and synapse elimination process versus the synapse consolidation.The purpose of this review is to describe the neurotrophic influence on developmental synapse elimination,in relation to other molecular pathways that we and others have found to regulate this process.In particular,we summarize our published results based on transmitter release analysis and axonal counts to show the different involvement of the presynaptic acetylcholine muscarinic autoreceptors,coupled to downstream serine-threonine protein kinases A and C(PKA and PKC)and voltage-gated calcium channels,at different nerve endings in developmental competition.The dynamic changes that occur simultaneously in several nerve terminals and synapses converge across a postsynaptic site,influence each other,and require careful studies to individualize the mechanisms of specific endings.We describe an activity-dependent balance(related to the extent of transmitter release)between the presynaptic muscarinic subtypes and the neurotrophin-mediated TrkB/p75NTR pathways that can influence the timing and fate of the competitive interactions between the different axon terminals.The downstream displacement of the PKA/PKC activity ratio to lower values,both in competing nerve terminals and at postsynaptic sites,plays a relevant role in controlling the elimination of supernumerary synapses.Finally,calcium entry through L-and P/Q-subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels(both channels are present,together with the N-type channel in developing nerve terminals)contributes to reduce transmitter release and promote withdrawal of the most unfavorable nerve terminals during elimination(the weakest in acetylcholine release and those that have already become silent).The main findings contribute to a better understanding of punishment-rewarding interactions between nerve endings during development.Identifying the molecular targets and signaling pathways that allow synapse consolidation or withdrawal of synapses in different situations is important for potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.展开更多
c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)-interacting protein 3 plays an important role in brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-related kinase B(Trk B) anterograde axonal transport. It remains unclear whether JNK-in...c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)-interacting protein 3 plays an important role in brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-related kinase B(Trk B) anterograde axonal transport. It remains unclear whether JNK-interacting protein 1 mediates similar effects, or whether JNK-interacting protein 1 affects the regulation of Trk B anterograde axonal transport. In this study, we isolated rat embryonic hippocampus and cultured hippocampal neurons in vitro. Coimmunoprecipitation results demonstrated that JNK-interacting protein 1 formed Trk B complexes in vitro and in vivo. Immunocytochemistry results showed that when JNK-interacting protein 1 was highly expressed, the distribution of Trk B gradually increased in axon terminals. However, the distribution of Trk B reduced in axon terminals after knocking out JNK-interacting protein 1. In addition, there were differences in distribution of Trk B after JNK-interacting protein 1 was knocked out compared with not. However, knockout of JNK-interacting protein 1 did not affect the distribution of Trk B in dendrites. These findings confirm that JNK-interacting protein 1 can interact with Trk B in neuronal cells, and can regulate the transport of Trk B in axons, but not in dendrites.展开更多
Background: Glehnia littoralis has been used for traditional Asian medicine, which has diverse therapeutic activities. However, studies regarding neurogenic effects of G. littoralis have not yet been considered. Ther...Background: Glehnia littoralis has been used for traditional Asian medicine, which has diverse therapeutic activities. However, studies regarding neurogenic effects of G. littoralis have not yet been considered. Therefore, in this study, we examined effects of G. littoralis extract on cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation, and the maturation of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of adult mice. Methods: A total of 39 male ICR mice (12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to vehicle-treated and 100 and 200 mg/kg G. littoralis extract-treated groups (n = 13 in each group). Vehicle and G. littoralis extract were orally administrated for 28 days. To examine neurogenic effects ofG. litmralis extract, we performed immunohistochemistry tbr 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU, an indicator for cell proliferation) and doublecortin (DCX, an immature neuronal marker) and double immunofluorescence staining for BrdU and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN, a mature neuronal marker). In addition, we examined expressional changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its major receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) using Western blotting analysis. Results: Treatment with 200 mg/kg, not 100 mg/kg, significantly increased number of BrdU-immunoreactive (+) and DCX+ cells (48.0 ±3.1and 72.0 ± 3.8 cells/section, respectively) in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG) and BrdU*/NeuN+ cells (17.0 ±1.5 cells/section) in the granule cell layer as well as in the SGZ. In addition, protein levels of BDNF and YrkB (about 232% and 244% of the vehicle-treated group, respectively) were significantly increased in the DG of the mice treated with 200 mg/kg ofG. littoralis extract. Conclusion: G. littoralis extract promots cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation, and neuronal maturation in the hippocampal DG, and neurogenic effects might be closely related to increases ofBDN F and TrkB proteins by G. littoralis extract treatment.展开更多
Neurotrophic receptor kinase(NTRK) fusions are actionable oncogenic drivers of multiple pediatric and adult solid tumors,and tropomyosin receptor kinase(TRK) has been considered as an attractive therapeutic target for...Neurotrophic receptor kinase(NTRK) fusions are actionable oncogenic drivers of multiple pediatric and adult solid tumors,and tropomyosin receptor kinase(TRK) has been considered as an attractive therapeutic target for "pan-cancer" harboring these fusions.Currently,two generations TRK inhibitors have been developed.The representative second-generation inhibitors selitrectinib and repotrectinib were designed to overcome clinic acquired resistance of the first-generation inhibitors larotrectinib or entrectinib resulted from solvent-front and gatekeeper on-target mutations.However,xDFG(TRKAG667C/A/S,homologous TRKCG696C/A/S) and some double mutations still confer resistance to selitrectinib and repotrectinib,and overcoming these resistances represents a major unmet clinical need.In this review,we summarize the acquired resistance mechanism of the first-and second-generation TRK inhibitors,and firstly put forward the emerging selective type Ⅱ TRK inhibitors to overcome xDFG mutations mediated resistance.Additionally,we concluded our perspectives on new challenges and future directions in this field.展开更多
Ketamine exerts rapid and robust antidepressant properties in both animal models and depressed patients and tramadol possesses potential antidepressant effects.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)is an important bi...Ketamine exerts rapid and robust antidepressant properties in both animal models and depressed patients and tramadol possesses potential antidepressant effects.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)is an important biomarker for mood disorders and tropomyosin-related kinase B(TrkB)is a high affinity catalytic receptor for BDNF.We hypothesized that tramadol pretreatment might reinforce ketamine-elicited antidepressant effects with significant changes in hippocampal BDNF and TrkB levels in rats.Immobility time of rats receiving different treatment in the forced swimming test(FST)was observed.Levels of BDNF and TrkB in hippocampus were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results showed that tramadol(5 mg/kg)administrated alone neither elicited antidepressant effects nor altered BDNF or TrkB level.However,pretreatment with tramadol(5 mg/kg)enhanced the ketamine(10 mg/kg)-elicited antidepressant effects and upregulated the BDNF and TrkB levels in hippocampus.In conclusion,tramadol pretreatment reinforces the ketamine-elicited antidepressant effects,which is associated with the increased levels of BDNF and TrkB in rat hippocampus.展开更多
目的旨在建立血管性抑郁症(vascular depression,VD)的理想动物模型。方法选用SD大鼠40只,采用数字表法随机分为4组:1手术组:双侧颈总动脉结扎(ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries,LBCCA);2假手术组:同手术组处理,但不结扎;...目的旨在建立血管性抑郁症(vascular depression,VD)的理想动物模型。方法选用SD大鼠40只,采用数字表法随机分为4组:1手术组:双侧颈总动脉结扎(ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries,LBCCA);2假手术组:同手术组处理,但不结扎;3抑郁组:慢性不可预见性温和应激(chronic unpredictable mild stress,CUMS)结合孤养,不进行手术;4模型组:LBCCA叠加CUMS,结合孤养。连续观察21 d,观测大鼠体质量变化、行为学改变、脑血流量变化以及大鼠大脑基质金属蛋白酶(matrix metalloproteinases,MMPs)、脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neurotrophic factor,BDNF)、酪氨酸激酶受体B(tropomyosin related kinase B,Trk B)蛋白及其mRNA表达水平的变化。结果与假手术组比较,模型组和抑郁组大鼠体质量、糖水消耗百分率、旷场试验运动距离及站立次数均明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),手术组及模型组大鼠脑血流量明显降低(P<0.01),手术组及模型组MMP-2及MMP-2 mRNA表达水平显著增高(P<0.01),抑郁组及模型组海马内BDNF/Trk B及BDNF/Trk B mRNA表达均明显降低(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论 LBCCA叠加CUMS结合孤养方法较好地模拟了抑郁核心症状快感缺乏、运动和探索能下降的行为特征和神经血管单元(neurovascular unit,NVU)稳态失衡的病理机制,是较为理想的血管性抑郁模型,可用于药理实验及治疗效果机制研究。展开更多
文摘The neurotrophin-Trk receptor pathway is an intrinsic pathway to relieve damage to the central nervous system. The present study observed the effects of Tongluo Jiunao (TLJN), which comprises Panax Notoginseng and Gardenia Jasminoides, on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemic injury. Xue Sai Tong (XST), comprising Panax Notoginseng, served as the positive control. Mechanisms of neuroprotection were analyzed following TLJN injection. Following establishment of the middle cerebral artery occlusion models, TLJN and XST were intraperitoneally injected, and 2, 3 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining results revealed that TLJN injection reduced infarct volume, suggesting that TLJN exerted a neuroprotective effect. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that TLJN elevated BDNF and growth associated protein-43 expression in ischemic brain tissues, as well as serum BDNF levels. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot results showed that TLJN injection did not affect TrkB expression in the ischemic brain tissues of rats. These results suggested that TLJN injection reduced damage to ischemic brain tissues and increased BDNF expression. In addition, TLJN injection resulted in better promoting effects on neurotrophic factor expression compared with XST.
文摘The present study utilized beta amyloid (Aβ)-induced cell apoptosis in PC12 cells as a cell model of Alzheimer's disease to investigate the interaction between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor. Results showed that Aβ(25-35) can reduce survival of PC12 cells and increase cleaved caspase-3 expression in PC12 cells. However, BDNF inhibited Aβ(25-35)-induced cytotoxicity and cleaved casapase-3 expression. Interestingly, pretreatment with the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor inhibitor K252a for 20 minutes prior to BDNF blocked the neuroprotective effect of BDNF on PC12 cells.
文摘Background: Pruritus is a distressing symptom of cholestatic, inflammatory, and malignant liver diseases. It is a common symptom in many biliary and cholestatic disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Several mechanisms are generally accepted as possible explanations to the underlying basis of itch. However, the exact pathophysiology of pruritus in liver diseases remains unclear. The cutaneous and central neurobiology of pruritus is complex and underlies a regulation of variable mechanisms. At present, not all mechanisms including neuromediators and receptors are known. Objective: Our objective is to evaluate whether the expression pattern of NGF and its receptor TrK A has a role in pruritus in a group of Egyptian cirrhotic patients. Patients and Methods: Forty Patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study depending on clinical evidence of stigmata of chronic liver disease (e.g. jaundice, ascites, palmar erythema, spider naevi, etc.) and ultrasonographic features of liver cirrhosis (e.g. coarse echo texture, shrunken liver, etc.). Patients were divided into two groups. Group (1): included 20 patients cirrhotic patients without pruritus. Group (2): included 20 patients cirrhotic patients with pruritus. A group of age and sex matched healthy twenty volunteers as a control. Results: After evaluation of histopathological using hematoxylin and eosin stained sections (H&E) was done. There was positive correlation between NGF protein expression and severity of pruritus in cirrhotic patients with pruritus (r = 0.876, p value ≤ 0.001). Also there was positive correlation between TrK A protein expression and severity of pruritus in cirrhotic patients with pruritus (r = 0.44, p value ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: We report, for the first time, role of these proteins (NGF/TrK A) in the mechanism of pruritus in cirrhotic patients and may provide a potential target for new treatment of pruritus in cirrhotic.
基金supported by Catalan Government,Nos.2014SGR344(to JT),2017SGR704(to JT),2021SGR01214(to MAL)MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/by“ERDF A way of making Europe,”Nos.SAF2015-67143(to JT),PID2019-106332GB-I00(to JT and MAL)and PID2022-141252NB-I00(to MAL).
文摘During the development of the nervous system,there is an overproduction of neurons and synapses.Hebbian competition between neighboring nerve endings and synapses performing different activity levels leads to their elimination or strengthening.We have extensively studied the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor neurotrophic retrograde pathway,at the neuromuscular junction,in the axonal development and synapse elimination process versus the synapse consolidation.The purpose of this review is to describe the neurotrophic influence on developmental synapse elimination,in relation to other molecular pathways that we and others have found to regulate this process.In particular,we summarize our published results based on transmitter release analysis and axonal counts to show the different involvement of the presynaptic acetylcholine muscarinic autoreceptors,coupled to downstream serine-threonine protein kinases A and C(PKA and PKC)and voltage-gated calcium channels,at different nerve endings in developmental competition.The dynamic changes that occur simultaneously in several nerve terminals and synapses converge across a postsynaptic site,influence each other,and require careful studies to individualize the mechanisms of specific endings.We describe an activity-dependent balance(related to the extent of transmitter release)between the presynaptic muscarinic subtypes and the neurotrophin-mediated TrkB/p75NTR pathways that can influence the timing and fate of the competitive interactions between the different axon terminals.The downstream displacement of the PKA/PKC activity ratio to lower values,both in competing nerve terminals and at postsynaptic sites,plays a relevant role in controlling the elimination of supernumerary synapses.Finally,calcium entry through L-and P/Q-subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels(both channels are present,together with the N-type channel in developing nerve terminals)contributes to reduce transmitter release and promote withdrawal of the most unfavorable nerve terminals during elimination(the weakest in acetylcholine release and those that have already become silent).The main findings contribute to a better understanding of punishment-rewarding interactions between nerve endings during development.Identifying the molecular targets and signaling pathways that allow synapse consolidation or withdrawal of synapses in different situations is important for potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.
基金supported by the Henan Province Education Department Key Project of Science and Technology Research in China,No.12A350006
文摘c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)-interacting protein 3 plays an important role in brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-related kinase B(Trk B) anterograde axonal transport. It remains unclear whether JNK-interacting protein 1 mediates similar effects, or whether JNK-interacting protein 1 affects the regulation of Trk B anterograde axonal transport. In this study, we isolated rat embryonic hippocampus and cultured hippocampal neurons in vitro. Coimmunoprecipitation results demonstrated that JNK-interacting protein 1 formed Trk B complexes in vitro and in vivo. Immunocytochemistry results showed that when JNK-interacting protein 1 was highly expressed, the distribution of Trk B gradually increased in axon terminals. However, the distribution of Trk B reduced in axon terminals after knocking out JNK-interacting protein 1. In addition, there were differences in distribution of Trk B after JNK-interacting protein 1 was knocked out compared with not. However, knockout of JNK-interacting protein 1 did not affect the distribution of Trk B in dendrites. These findings confirm that JNK-interacting protein 1 can interact with Trk B in neuronal cells, and can regulate the transport of Trk B in axons, but not in dendrites.
文摘Background: Glehnia littoralis has been used for traditional Asian medicine, which has diverse therapeutic activities. However, studies regarding neurogenic effects of G. littoralis have not yet been considered. Therefore, in this study, we examined effects of G. littoralis extract on cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation, and the maturation of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of adult mice. Methods: A total of 39 male ICR mice (12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to vehicle-treated and 100 and 200 mg/kg G. littoralis extract-treated groups (n = 13 in each group). Vehicle and G. littoralis extract were orally administrated for 28 days. To examine neurogenic effects ofG. litmralis extract, we performed immunohistochemistry tbr 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU, an indicator for cell proliferation) and doublecortin (DCX, an immature neuronal marker) and double immunofluorescence staining for BrdU and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN, a mature neuronal marker). In addition, we examined expressional changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its major receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) using Western blotting analysis. Results: Treatment with 200 mg/kg, not 100 mg/kg, significantly increased number of BrdU-immunoreactive (+) and DCX+ cells (48.0 ±3.1and 72.0 ± 3.8 cells/section, respectively) in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG) and BrdU*/NeuN+ cells (17.0 ±1.5 cells/section) in the granule cell layer as well as in the SGZ. In addition, protein levels of BDNF and YrkB (about 232% and 244% of the vehicle-treated group, respectively) were significantly increased in the DG of the mice treated with 200 mg/kg ofG. littoralis extract. Conclusion: G. littoralis extract promots cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation, and neuronal maturation in the hippocampal DG, and neurogenic effects might be closely related to increases ofBDN F and TrkB proteins by G. littoralis extract treatment.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82273763)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (2022A-1515011939, China)+2 种基金the Opening Project of State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease (SKLRD-OP-202313, China)the Opening Project of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation (2020B1212060034, China)Wang Kuancheng Young Scholar of Jinan University
文摘Neurotrophic receptor kinase(NTRK) fusions are actionable oncogenic drivers of multiple pediatric and adult solid tumors,and tropomyosin receptor kinase(TRK) has been considered as an attractive therapeutic target for "pan-cancer" harboring these fusions.Currently,two generations TRK inhibitors have been developed.The representative second-generation inhibitors selitrectinib and repotrectinib were designed to overcome clinic acquired resistance of the first-generation inhibitors larotrectinib or entrectinib resulted from solvent-front and gatekeeper on-target mutations.However,xDFG(TRKAG667C/A/S,homologous TRKCG696C/A/S) and some double mutations still confer resistance to selitrectinib and repotrectinib,and overcoming these resistances represents a major unmet clinical need.In this review,we summarize the acquired resistance mechanism of the first-and second-generation TRK inhibitors,and firstly put forward the emerging selective type Ⅱ TRK inhibitors to overcome xDFG mutations mediated resistance.Additionally,we concluded our perspectives on new challenges and future directions in this field.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30872424).
文摘Ketamine exerts rapid and robust antidepressant properties in both animal models and depressed patients and tramadol possesses potential antidepressant effects.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)is an important biomarker for mood disorders and tropomyosin-related kinase B(TrkB)is a high affinity catalytic receptor for BDNF.We hypothesized that tramadol pretreatment might reinforce ketamine-elicited antidepressant effects with significant changes in hippocampal BDNF and TrkB levels in rats.Immobility time of rats receiving different treatment in the forced swimming test(FST)was observed.Levels of BDNF and TrkB in hippocampus were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results showed that tramadol(5 mg/kg)administrated alone neither elicited antidepressant effects nor altered BDNF or TrkB level.However,pretreatment with tramadol(5 mg/kg)enhanced the ketamine(10 mg/kg)-elicited antidepressant effects and upregulated the BDNF and TrkB levels in hippocampus.In conclusion,tramadol pretreatment reinforces the ketamine-elicited antidepressant effects,which is associated with the increased levels of BDNF and TrkB in rat hippocampus.