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Cardiac rate regulated by nutritional factor in young rats
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 4, 1971
Summary
Milk refeeding rapidly reversed heart rate decreases in separated rat pups. This effect, dependent on beta-adrenergic pathways, was dose-related and not caused by stomach distention.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neonatal development
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neonatal separation can induce physiological stress responses, including bradycardia.
- Early life stress impacts autonomic nervous system regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of milk refeeding on cardiac rate in maternally separated rat pups.
- To determine the mechanisms underlying the observed cardiovascular changes.
Main Methods:
- 2-week-old rat pups were separated from mothers for 16 hours.
- Milk was administered via stomach tube at varying dosages.
- Cardiac rate was monitored, and the role of beta-adrenergic transmission was assessed.
Main Results:
- Milk refeeding rapidly and fully reversed the decrease in cardiac rate.
- The effect was dose-dependent and not attributable to gastric distention.
- Beta-adrenergic blockade abolished the milk-induced reversal of bradycardia.
Conclusions:
- Milk refeeding is an effective intervention to rapidly restore cardiac rate in stressed neonatal rats.
- The cardiovascular benefits of milk refeeding are mediated by beta-adrenergic signaling pathways.