Pro-cognitive effect of acute imipramine administration correlates with direct interaction of BDNF with its receptor, Trkβ

•Using Proximity Ligation Assay we have demonstrated the direct interaction of BDNF with its receptor, Trkβ, in the rat cingulate cortex.•A significant increase in BDNF-Trkβ interaction was observed shortly (3 h) after both acute and repeated administration of an antidepressant drug, imipramine (IMI).•None of the treatments with IMI induced alterations in the level of mRNA encoding BDNF and Trkβ.•Acute IMI administration induces a strong pro-cognitive effect, assessed by the NOR test.