BDNF mRNA expression and protein localization are changed in age-related hearing loss

A decline in neuronal plasticity during the adult life span has been proposed to be associated with a reduced level of the effectors of plasticity responses (e.g., BDNF). Alteration of plasticity is also correlated with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), but to date no detailed studies of BDNF expression have been performed in the young or aging mature cochlea. We have used rat and gerbil animal models for presbycusis, which displayed hearing loss in the final third of the animals’ natural life span. We demonstrate for the first time a co-localization of BDNF protein, transcripts III and IV in cochlear neurons with a declining distribution towards low-frequency processing cochlear turns. BDNF protein was also found within the neuronal projections of the cochlea. A significant reduction of BDNF transcripts in high-frequency processing cochlear neurons was observed during aging, though this did not coincide with a major reduction of BDNF protein. In contrast, BDNF protein in peripheral and central projections was drastically reduced. Our results suggest that reduced BDNF protein levels in auditory nerves over age may be a crucial factor in the altered brainstem plasticity observed during presbycusis.