Abstract
Microdissected areas of the rabbit brain were isolated at prenatal day E-29, postnatal days P-3, 7, 14, 21, 2 months and adults. Methionine-enkephalin (ME) was assayed by RIA and ME concentration [ME] was expressed relative to the protein content of the extracted brain tissues. In brain nuclei with important roles in respiratory control [ME] was higher in prenatal and early postnatal life than in adults. In contrast, the prenatal and early postnatal [ME] levels in other nuclei were lower than or equal to adult values. These data suggest an important and changing role for ME in respiratory control throughout development. Early high [ME] levels within brainstem respiratory control nuclei may contribute to the newborn's increased susceptibility to respiratory depression.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 73-80 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Brain research |
Volume | 336 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 10 1985 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- adult
- brainstem
- neuropeptides
- neurotransmitters
- newborn
- opiates
- respiratory center
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Neurology
- Developmental Biology