Back-propagating action potential: A key contributor in activity-dependent dendritic release of BDNF.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for the formation of appropriate synaptic connections during development and for learning and memory in adults. Secretion of this neurotrophin is under activity-dependent control. Understanding which patterns of physiological activity regulate BDNF secretion is therefore an important step in the comprehension of its role. We have recently shown that back propagation of action potentials (bAPs) is the principal triggering mechanism of dendritic BDNF secretion occurring during ongoing neuronal activity in neuronal cultures. In the present addendum we discuss possible implications of bAPs-induced BDNF secretion on the construction and reorganization of neuronal networks.