Chronic prenatal morphine treatment decreases G alpha s mRNA levels in neonatal frontal cortex.
G alpha s mRNA levels were measured in brain regions of newborn pups following prenatal morphine treatment. A significant decrease (24%) in G alpha s mRNA levels was observed in the frontal cortex. No changes were observed in other regions. This report demonstrates the first in vivo study of opiate effects on G-protein gene expression in neonates. The development of tolerance in vivo may involve complex interactions between several neurotransmitter systems having opposing actions on the G-protein system.
Basheer
R
R
Department of Psychiatry, Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY 11004.
Yang
J
J
Tempel
A
A
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D009020:Morphine; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins