Studio preliminare del ritmo ultradiano dei livelli ematici del Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in soggetti schizofrenici e controlli sani

Introduction. Studies on animal models have individualized the presence of the neurotrophins, of their receptors and of the specific mRNAs to the inside of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, lets to hypothesize their involvement in the regulation of the circadian functions of the pace-maker. Aim of this first pilot study was to record the ultradian rhythms of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and of value the possible differences are between the two sexes that between subjects healthy and schizophrenic patients. Materials and method. We have studied a sample of 14 subjects, of age understood between 22 and 28 years, constituted from 7 male voluntary healthy subjects and from 7 male patients with diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia according to the criteria of the DSM-IV, in temporary psychopharmacologic wash-out. The ultradian cycle of BDNF esteemed in samples of blood taked to the hours 9,13 and 20. Results. Schizophrenic patients showed BDNF means of value higher than healthy controls in all times of the blood taked. The study showed the absence of ultradian rhytm in all sample and a higher levels of BDNF in the evening. Conclusions. The results of this first pilot study induce to deepen such research with a methodic directed to the circadian recording of the plasma levels of BDNF, in order to fill the cognitive gap in the possible role that this molecule holds in physiological conditions and in the etiopathogenesis of the schizophrenia.