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[Critical phases of the brain development]
V G Kassil'1, V A Otellin, L I Khozhaĭ
1I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Acad. Sci., 199034, St. Petersburg, Nab. Makarova, 6, Russia. Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Russian Acad. Med. Sci., Russia.
Abstract:
Various effects were shown to act alter the proceeding of histogenetic processes in the embryonic neural tissue. Studies in mice revealed that, depending on the embryogenesis stage when a lack of serotonin occurred, the lack of this monoamine entails either death of the embryo or a teratogenic effect, or underdevelopment of brain structures. In the rat model of a shorten hypoxia, a disorder of neural tissue histogenesis in early stages of development, was found, as well as a reduction of its sensitivity to lack of oxygen by the end of embryogenesis.
Insights
Serotonin deficiency during embryonic development can cause embryo death or brain malformations. Hypoxia in developing rats also disrupts neural tissue development, though sensitivity decreases later in embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Histogenesis of embryonic neural tissue is crucial for normal development.
- Serotonin and oxygen availability are key factors influencing neurodevelopment.
- Disruptions in these factors can lead to severe developmental abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of serotonin deficiency on embryonic neural tissue development.
- To examine the impact of hypoxia on neural tissue histogenesis in developing rats.
Main Methods:
- Studies in mouse models to assess the consequences of serotonin deficiency at different embryonic stages.
- Utilizing a rat model to simulate shortened hypoxia and observe its effects on neural tissue.
Main Results:
- Serotonin deficiency in mice led to embryo death, teratogenic effects, or brain structure underdevelopment, depending on the timing.
- Hypoxia in rats caused neural tissue histogenesis disorders in early development.
- Rat embryos showed reduced sensitivity to hypoxia by the end of embryogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin is critical for normal embryonic neural development, with timing of deficiency being a key determinant of outcome.
- Hypoxia significantly impacts early neural tissue development, but adaptive mechanisms may emerge later in gestation.