brain-derived neurotrophic factor
noun
: a neuropeptide that regulates the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons and that affects synaptic plasticity especially by mediating long-term potentiation
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor … is critical for axonal growth, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity, and its levels are affected by stress and cortisol.—
R. H. Belmaker and Galila Agam, The New England Journal of Medicine
R. H. Belmaker and Galila Agam, The New England Journal of MedicineOut of the variety of neurotrophic factors released during exercise, however, scientists found that one in particular stood out: brain-derived neurotrophic factor …—Christen Brownlee, Science News
—abbreviation BDNF
Christen Brownlee, Science NewsCite this Entry
“Brain-derived neurotrophic factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/brain-derived%20neurotrophic%20factor. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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