Fetal growth-retardation and brain-sparing by malnutrition are associated to changes in neurotransmitters profile. Issue 57 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García-Contreras, C.; Valent, D.; Vázquez-Gómez, M.; Arroyo, L.; Isabel, B.; Astiz, S.; Bassols, A.; Gonzalez-Bulnes, A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of developmental neuroscience. Issue 57(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: DA dopamine -- HVA homovanillic acid -- IUGR intrauterine growth restriction -- NA noradrenaline -- DOPAC 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid -- 5-HT serotonin -- 5-HIAA 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid -- l-DOPA l-dihydroxyphenylalanine -- TRP tryptophan; Brain-sparing -- Catecholamines -- Indoleamines -- Intrauterine-growth-restriction -- Neurotransmitters -- Swine; Developmental neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurologie du développement -- Périodiques; Developmental neurobiology; Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.01.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-5748

Abstract

Highlights: Fetal synthesis and use of neurotransmitters increase with time of pregnancy. Fetal sex and body development modulate neurotransmitters levels. Fetal growth restriction affects both catecholamines and indoleamines pathways. Abstract: The present study assesses possible changes in the levels of different neurotransmitters (catecholamines and indoleamines) in fetuses affected by nutrient shortage. Hence, we determined the concentration of catecholamines and indoleamines at the hypothalamus of 56 swine fetuses obtained at both 70 and 90 days of pregnancy (n = 33 and 23 fetuses, respectively). The degree of fetal development and the fetal sex affected the neurotransmitters profile at both stages. At Day 70, there were found higher mean concentrations ofl -DOPA in both female and male fetuses with severe IUGR; male fetuses with severe IUGR also showed higher concentrations of TRP than normal male littermates. At Day 90 of pregnancy, the differences between sexes were more evident. There were no significant effects from either severe IUGR on the neurotransmitter profile in male fetuses. However, in the females, a lower body-weight was related to lower concentrations ofl -DOPA and TRP and those female fetuses affected by severe IUGR evidenced lower HVA concentration. In conclusion, the fetal synthesis and use of neurotransmitters increase with time of pregnancy but, in case of IUGR, both catecholamines and indoleamines pathways are affected by sex-related effects.