[The effect and changes in oxygen consumption of rat brain homogenates: in vitro effect of a peptide derivative]

The effect of a peptide derivative (Cerebrolysin) on oxygen consumption of brain homogenates was investigated in 1-day-old, 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-week-old and 2-, 4-, 8-, 12- and 18-month-old rats. A rapid increase of respiration up to the fourth week could be demonstrated. From that time on the values decrease until the age of 1 year and remain constant till the age of 18 months. At this age oxygen consumption corresponds to that of 2-week-old rats and lies 41% below the high level found in 4-week-old animals. In vitro application of the peptide derivative stimulates respiration significantly in all groups. There is striking evidence for a maximal relative increase in extremely young animals up to 2 weeks of life and in rather old ones aged 12 and 18 months.