Effects of maternal protein deficiency on synaptic plasma membranes in offspring.

Abstract

This study examined the influence of maternal protein deficiency during lactation on the accretion and synthesis of synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) proteins in developing offspring. It also examined the activity of Mg2+-dependent, ouabain-sensitive (Na+-K+)-ATPase in SPMs. The results of this study demonstrated that early postnatal undernutrition produces a significant deficit of SPM proteins. Despite this deficit, 10- to 20-day-old undernourished rats incorporated more [3H]-leucine into SPM proteins than age-matched control rats. The specific activity of (Na+-K+)-ATPase was decreased in SPMs from undernourished rats early in development, but was increased at 20 and 34 days of age. Interestingly, 20- and 34-day-old undernourished rats also had an increased proportion of [3H]-leucine-derived radioactivity in the band on SDS gels which corresponded to (Na+-K+)-ATPase. In summary, it appears that maternal deficiency of protein during lactation affects the synaptic plasma membranes in offspring quantitatively and qualitatively.