Abstract
The neuropeptide methionine-enkephalin (ME) is involved in respiratory control particularly in the newborn. Its basal concentration and alterations with acute hypoxia are both region and age specific (Brain Res, 336:73-80, 1985; Ped Res 20:655-57, 1986). Additionally, prenatal exposure to toxins produce long term sequelae. We examined the effect of inutero hypoxia on ME in postnatal animals aged 3, 7, 21 days. 12 pregnant rabbits were housed in environmental chambers at gestational age E-10. Between E-14-E-28, 6 animals breathed 21% O2 (control, C) and 6 breathed 14% (hypoxia, II). The animals were kindled and young reared in RA until sacrifice. The brains were removed and sectioned into superior, inferior colliculi, pons and medulla. n=6/condition/age. * = p<.05.These data confirm that 1) ME is greatest in the medulla, pons > inferior colliculi, superior colliculi and 2) except within the inferior colliculi, prenatal hypoxia is associated with decreased ME levels within brainstem regions at postnatal day 21. This decrease may reflect a direct effect on ME neurons or alternatively reflect changes in transmitters that regulate ME. ME is inhibitory to respiration; thus, long term effects of hypoxia may accelerate control mechanisms.
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