Alpha-Linolenic Acid: An Omega-3 Fatty Acid with Neuroprotective Properties—Ready for Use in the Stroke Clinic?

Figure 3

In vivo subchronic ALA treatment increases mature BDNF levels in neurons of the cortex and hippocampus, but not in striatum. BDNF increase in these specific brain regions is consistent with well-known properties for the efficiency of antidepressant drugs and with the level of brain protection offered by the subchronic ALA treatment. Mature BDNF expression was measured 10 days after the subchronic treatment by Western blots in cortex, hippocampus (), and striatum () of mice injected with ALA or vehicle. Subchronic treatment consisted of three i.v. injections of 500 nmol/kg of α-linolenic acid on days 1, 3, and 7.