Melamine disrupts spatial reversal learning and learning strategy via inhibiting hippocampal BDNF-mediated neural activity
Fig 2
Melamine reduces learning-induced BDNF expression in the HPC neurons.
(A) Representative micrographs showing labeling of NeuN (green), BDNF (red), and NeuN/BDNF overlap (yellow) in pre-reversal (Top) and post-reversal (Bottom) trained rats. After training in the learning stage of Y-maze task, the basal levels of BDNF in the neuron (B) and total BDNF (C) were tested 30 min following melamine treatment. No statistical difference was found before the reversal learning. n = 8 per group. (D) The BDNF level in the HPC neurons was significantly lower compared melamine to control groups. n = 8 per group. (E) A strong correlation between the trails to criterion during reversal learning and hippocampal BDNF expression. *P<0.05, vs. Good group. n = 8 per group. (F) After the reversal learning, there was no statistical difference in the total BDNF expression between melamine and control groups. n = 8 per group. *P<0.05, vs. Control group.