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Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in rat during post-natal development
Journal of Neural Transmission
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Rat serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity peaks early in life and declines rapidly, correlating with body weight increases. Heart DBH activity and weight increase coordinately, unaffected by serum inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) is crucial for catecholamine synthesis.
- Understanding DBH developmental changes is vital for neurodevelopmental research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental profile of rat serum and heart dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity.
- To explore the relationship between DBH activity, endogenous inhibitors, and physiological changes during early life.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays were performed on rat serum and heart tissue at various ages.
- Body weight and heart weight were measured.
- Analysis of serum inhibitors affecting DBH activity was conducted.
Main Results:
- Serum DBH activity peaked at 16 days and decreased to adult levels by seven weeks.
- Heart DBH specific activity reached adult levels by 18 days, with total activity increasing coordinately with heart weight.
- Serum non-copper-sensitive DBH inhibitors increased with age, while copper-sensitive inhibition remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Serum DBH activity exhibits a distinct developmental pattern, inversely related to body weight gain.
- Heart DBH maturation is coordinate with cardiac growth and less influenced by serum inhibitors.
- Age-related changes in DBH activity are modulated by endogenous serum inhibitors.