brain-derived neurotrophic factor

noun

: a neuropeptide that regulates the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons and that affects synaptic plasticity especially by mediating long-term potentiation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor … is critical for axonal growth, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity, and its levels are affected by stress and cortisol.

—R. H. Belmaker and Galila Agam, The New England Journal of Medicine

Out of the variety of neurotrophic factors released during exercise, however, scientists found that one in particular stood out: brain-derived neurotrophic factor …

—Christen Brownlee, Science News

—abbreviation BDNF