Antenatal Treatment with Corticosteroids Affects mRNA Expression of Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptors in the Striatum of Developing Rabbit

Abstract

The expression levels of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNA have been investigated using Northern blot analysis in developing rabbit striatum after antenatal exposure to betamethasone. Pregnant rabbits were given either 0.1 mg/kg betamethasone or 0.1 mg/kg saline doses twice within 24 h. Dopamine D1 receptor mRNA levels were found significantly higher in the fetuses exposed to antenatal betamethasone than in the saline-treated controls. After birth, dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNA levels were both significantly lower in 1- and 25-day-old treated pups but recovered to normal levels in adulthood. These data suggest that antenatal exposure to betamethasone can lead to lasting abnormalities.