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Postnatal developmental changes in blood flow to choroid plexuses and cerebral cortex of the rat
J Szmydynger-Chodobska1, A Chodobski, C E Johanson
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903.
Insights
Blood flow to the choroid plexus (CP) and cerebral cortex in developing rats increased significantly between the 3rd and 5th weeks postnatally. These changes in CP blood flow reflect the maturation of the choroidal vascular system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The postnatal development of the brain involves significant changes in blood flow regulation.
- Understanding blood flow dynamics to specific brain regions is crucial for comprehending overall brain maturation and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in blood flow to the choroid plexuses (lateral and fourth ventricles) and cerebral cortex in rats.
- To correlate these blood flow changes with the maturation of the choroidal epithelium and its secretory functions.
Main Methods:
- Indicator fractionation technique using N-isopropyl-p-[125I]iodoamphetamine.
- Measurement of blood flow in the lateral ventricle choroid plexus (LVCP), fourth ventricle choroid plexus (4VCP), and cerebral cortex.
- Studies conducted on rats at postnatal ages of 2, 3, 5, and 7-8 weeks.
Main Results:
- Blood flow to LVCP and 4VCP did not change from week 2 to 3 but increased by 34% between weeks 3 and 5.
- From week 5 onwards, 4VCP exhibited higher blood flow rates than LVCP.
- Cerebral cortical blood flow gradually increased from week 2 to 5, with no significant difference observed between 5-week-old and adult animals.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal development significantly impacts blood flow to the choroid plexuses and cerebral cortex.
- The observed increases in choroidal blood flow suggest an adaptation of the vascular system to support the developing secretory capacity of the choroidal epithelium.
- These findings provide insights into the intricate relationship between vascular development and tissue maturation in the brain.
Abstract:
Postnatal developmental changes in blood flow to choroid plexuses of the lateral (LVCP) and fourth (4VCP) ventricles and cerebral cortex were studied in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats at 2, 3, 5, and 7-8 wk. Blood flow was measured by indicator fractionation with N-isopropyl-p-[125I]iodoamphetamine as the marker. Blood flow to the LVCP and 4VCP was 2.5 +/- 0.1 and 2.7 +/- 0.1 ml.g-1.min-1, respectively, and did not change between the 2nd and 3rd wk. However, it increased by 34% between the 3rd and 5th wk. From the age of 5 wk on, 4VCP was characterized by higher blood flow rates than LVCP. Cerebral cortical blood flow gradually increased between the 2nd and 5th wk. There was no difference in cortical blood flow between 5-wk-old and adult animals. The changes in choroidal blood flow likely represent a continuing adjustment of the choroidal vascular system to steadily increasing secretory capabilities of the maturing choroidal epithelium.