Beta-hydroxybutyrate promotes the expression of BDNF in hippocampal neurons under adequate glucose supply.

•β-Hydroxybutyrate within its physiological range promotes BDNF expression in neurons under adequate glucose supply.•β-Hydroxybutyrate induces BDNF expression by activating cAMP/PKA/p-CREB signaling.•β-Hydroxybutyrate regulates the epigenetic markers of H3K27ac and H3K27me3 binding at Bdnf promoters.•β-Hydroxybutyrate enhances H3K27ac level independent on HDAC.