Prenatal reserpine administration: permanent changes in adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase

Psychopharmacol Commun. 1975;1(5):465-72.

Abstract

Reserpine (1 mg/kg) was administered to pregnant rats on days 12, 13 and 14 of gestation. Although adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase activities were normal in the offspring at 4 days of postnatal age, both were elevated by 17 days and the elevations persisted into adulthood. The changes may result from permanently increased sympatho-adrenal stimulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / drug effects
  • Adrenal Glands / enzymology*
  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Pregnancy
  • Reserpine / pharmacology*
  • Stimulation, Chemical
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Reserpine
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
  • Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase