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Neurological Sciences

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Open Access 01-05-2021 | Original Article

Musical practice and BDNF plasma levels as a potential marker of synaptic plasticity: an instrument of rehabilitative processes

Authors: Alessandro Minutillo, Gabriele Panza, Massimo Carlo Mauri

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Background and objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of musical practice on brain plasticity. BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a neurotrophin involved in neuroplasticity and synaptic function.

Materials and methods

We recruited 48 healthy subjects of equal age and sex (21 musicians and 27 non-musicians). All subjects were administered the AQ (Autism-Spectrum Questionnaire) and plasma levels (PLs) of BDNF, oxytocin (OT), and vasopressin (VP) were measured in the blood sample of every participant.

Results.

The difference between BDNF PLs in the two groups was found to be statistically significant (t = − 2.214, p = 0.03). Furthermore, oxytocin (OT) PLs and musical practice were found to be independent positive predictors of BDNF PLs (p < 0.04). We also found a negative correlation between BDNF PLs and AD (attention to detail) sub-scale score of AQ throughout the whole sample. Assuming BDNF PLs to be a marker of synaptic plasticity, higher PLs could be associated with the activation of alternative neural pathways: a lower score in the “attention to detail” sub-scale could imply greater flexibility of higher cerebral functions among musicians.

Further researches should be conducted to assess the rehabilitative usefulness of these findings among patients affected by psychiatric disorders.

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Title: Musical practice and BDNF plasma levels as a potential marker of synaptic plasticity: an instrument of rehabilitative processes
Authors: Alessandro Minutillo
Gabriele Panza
Massimo Carlo Mauri
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04715-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Musical practice and BDNF plasma levels as a potential marker of synaptic plasticity: an instrument of rehabilitative processes

Abstract

Background and objectives

Materials and methods

Results.

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and objectives

Materials and methods

Results.

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