Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during development promotes the survival and differentiation of selected neuronal populations of the peripheral and central nervous systems. BDNF participates in a, Xenopus/Amphibian,onal growth,Porcineathfinding and in the modulation of dendritic growth and morphology. BDNF is a major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity of adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal e, Xenopus/Amphibian,citability.