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Alterations of fetal brain biogenic amine metabolites by maternal ethanol exposure
A D Okonmah1, J W Brown, J O Owasoyo
1College of Pharmacy, Florida A & M University, Clinical Research Unit, Miami 33142.
1. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats treated chronically with ethanol (3 g/kg daily for the last third of pregnancy) had decreased placental weights at birth (ca 23%). 2. Whole fetal brain levels of HVA and 5-HIAA were similarly decreased 32 and 38%, respectively. 3. MHPG levels were also marginally reduced (i.e. 15% decline). 4. In the presence of a potent type A MAO inhibitor (harmaline, 10 mg/kg maternal weight 2 hr before fetal delivery) co-treatment with ethanol was found to result in a 60% elevation of whole fetal brain norepinephrine levels. 5. Other biogenic amines and metabolites were not altered by ethanol treatment.
1. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats treated chronically with ethanol (3 g/kg daily for the last third of pregnancy) had decreased placental weights at birth (ca 23%). 2. Whole fetal brain levels of HVA and 5-HIAA were similarly decreased 32 and 38%, respectively. 3. MHPG levels were also marginally reduced (i.e. 15% decline). 4. In the presence of a potent type A MAO inhibitor (harmaline, 10 mg/kg maternal weight 2 hr before fetal delivery) co-treatment with ethanol was found to result in a 60% elevation of whole fetal brain norepinephrine levels. 5. Other biogenic amines and metabolites were not altered by ethanol treatment.