Increased expression of BDNF and proliferation of dentate granule cells after bacterial meningitis

Objectives: Proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells is increased after bacterial meningitis. In order to identify endogenous factors involved in neurogenesis, expression of BDNF, NGF and GDNF was investigated in a mouse model of pneumococcal meningitis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were infected by injection of log 4 CFU of S. pneumoniae into the right forebrain. Control animals received saline only. Mice were killed 30 hours later (each group n=19) or treated with Ceftriaxone (100mg/kg twice daily) and sacrificed 4 days after infection (each group n=19). Gene expression levels of neurotrophin…