Regional brain neurotransmitter concentrations in stress-susceptible pigs.
In three experiments, the concentrations of indoleamines and catecholamines were measured in the brain regions of pigs that were homozygous-positive (nn, stress-susceptible), heterozygous (Nn), and homozygous-negative (NN, stress-tolerant) for the halothane gene. In Exp. 1 (n = 10), hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptophan (P < .1) and serotonin (P < .05) were lower in nn than in NN pigs. Concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, dihydroxyphenylethylamine (DOPAMINE), norepinephrine, and epinephrine in the hypothalamus and caudate nucleus were lower (P < .05) in nn (n = 8) than in NN (n = 7) pigs in Exp. 2. However, there were no differences in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) between nn and NN pigs. Hippocampal serotonin and norepinephrine were lower (P < .05) in nn than in NN pigs. In the third experiment, serotonin was the only neurotransmitter that was lower in the hippocampus of Nn (n = 5) than of NN (n = 6) pigs; concentrations of all other neurotransmitters in the three brain regions were similar between Nn and NN pigs. Results from these experiments suggest central nervous system involvement in porcine stress syndrome.
Adeola
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Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Ball
R O
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House
J D
JD
O'Brien
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000032:analysis; D002421:Caudate Nucleus / Q000737:chemistry; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006579:Heterozygote; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000737:chemistry; D006720:Homozygote; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000737:chemistry; D008305:Malignant Hyperthermia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D002395:Catecholamines; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D003402:Creatine Kinase