Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secreted neurotrophin that is highly expressed in the central nervous system and regulates many different cellular processes that affect emotional behaviors [9]. The Bdnf gene has a complex gene structure containing multiple 5’noncoding exons and a single 3’coding exon to produce multiple exon-specific Bdnf transcripts that undergo alternative splicing but encode the same protein [10]. Emerging evidence has indicated the involvement of BDNF in depression, including PPD, on the basis of its roles in pathogenesis and treatment of depression [11–15]. However, the exact function of BDNF in depression of postpartum female mice remains to be investigated.
