Background: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism contributes to development of depression (MDD), but it is unclear whether neural effects observed in healthy individuals are sustained in MDD
Aims: To investigate BDNF Val66Met effects on key regions in MDD neurocircuitry: amygdala, anterior cingulate, middle frontal and orbitofrontal regions.
Method: MRI scans were acquired in 79 MDD (mean age 49 years) and 74 healthy volunteers (HV) (mean 50 years). Effects on surface area and cortical thickness were
examined with multiple comparison correction.
Results: Met allele carriers showed reduced caudal middle frontal thickness in both MDD and HV. Significant interaction effects were found in the anterior cingulate and rostral middle frontal regions in which Met MDD carriers showed the greatest reduction in surface area.
Conclusions: Modulatory effects of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on distinct subregions in the prefrontal cortex in MDD support the neurotrophin model of depression
