Intrauterine hyperexposure to dexamethasone of the common marmoset monkey revealed normal cerebral metabolite concentrations in adulthood as assessed by quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo.
BACKGROUND
Animal models of human brain disorders often have to rely on non-human primates because of their immunological, physiological, and cognitive similarities to humans.


METHODS
Localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed to assess cerebral metabolite profiles of male common marmoset monkeys in vivo and to determine putative alterations of adult brain metabolism in response to intrauterine hyperexposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone.


RESULTS
Excellent spectral quality allowed for absolute quantification of the concentrations of major metabolites in predominantly white matter, gray matter, and thalamus. Marmoset monkeys intrauterinely hyperexposed to dexamethasone revealed normal neurochemical profiles at adulthood.


CONCLUSIONS
Prenatally applied dexamethasone does not lead to persistent metabolic alterations affecting adult brain integrity.
Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany. tmichae@gwdg.de
T
T
Michaelis
A
A
Abaei
S
S
Boretius
R
R
Tammer
J
J
Frahm
C
C
Schlumbohm
E
E
Fuchs
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002144:Callithrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*
D003907:Dexamethasone