Anomalous regulation of β-adrenoceptor signaling in brain regions of the newborn rat

Abstract

Desensitization, an essential homeostatic response to excessive or continued β-adrenoceptor (βAR) stimulation, is deficient in immature cells. To determine the mechanisms underlying anomalous βAR responses in newborn rats, we administered terbutaline, a β 2AR agonist, on postnatal day 2 and evaluated signaling through adenylyl cyclase (AC) in cell membrane preparations 4 h later. Although a small decrement in isoproterenol-stimulated AC was obtained in the forebrain, robust sensitization was seen in the brainstem and cerebellum, in association with heterologous increases in AC catalytic activity: increased basal, dopamine-stimulated and forskolin-stimulated AC. Superimposed on this global increase, there was a small degree of βAR and dopamine receptor desensitization, characterized by decreases in the isoproterenol/forskolin and dopamine/forskolin AC activity ratios. Our results indicate that, in some immature brain regions, βAR desensitization is masked by more substantial increases in the activity of signaling elements downstream from the receptors, resulting in sustained responses in the face of continued receptor stimulation. These effects are likely responsible for the maintenance of βAR activity associated with neurotrophic input during synaptogenesis but may also contribute to adverse effects of βAR agonists used in preterm labor.