Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during development promotes the survival and differentiation of selected neuronal populations of the peripheral and central nervous systems. BDNF participates in axonal growth, pathfinding and in the modulation of dendritic growth and morphology. BDNF is a major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity of adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability.