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Catecholamine levels and receptor expression in low protein rat offspring
C J Petry1, M W Dorling, C L Wang
1Clinical Biochemistry Department, University of Cambridge, UK. cjp1002@cam.ac.uk
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Growth restriction in early life permanently alters catecholamine metabolism in adult rats, indicated by higher plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline levels. Adipocyte adrenoceptor expression also showed significant changes, suggesting long-term metabolic adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Low birth weight in humans is linked to increased adult resting pulse rate, suggesting altered sympathoadrenal activity.
- Early growth restriction may cause lasting changes in catecholamine metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if early growth restriction leads to permanent alterations in catecholamine metabolism.
- To test the hypothesis linking early growth restriction with long-term changes in catecholamine pathways.
Main Methods:
- Assessed circulating catecholamine concentrations using radioimmunoassay in rat offspring.
- Measured adipocyte adrenoceptor expression via Western blot in different fat depots.
- Studied 12-week-old male offspring from dams fed a reduced protein diet during gestation and lactation.
Main Results:
- Low protein offspring exhibited significantly higher plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations compared to controls.
- Starvation increased plasma catecholamines in both groups, but differences persisted.
- Adipocyte adrenoceptor expression showed significant alterations, with increased beta1 and beta3, and decreased alpha2A subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Results support the hypothesis of long-term alterations in catecholamine metabolism due to early growth restriction.
- Early nutritional deficits can induce persistent changes in the sympathoadrenal system and adrenergic signaling in adult offspring.