Effects of Malnutrition and Quipazine on Rat Cerebral Cortex ATPase Activity during Development

Abstract

Previous results suggested a possible association between brain serotonin (5-HT) and Na+-K+-ATPase, in vivo. The study was extended to the developmental response of this enzyme to early 5-HT changes induced by early malnutrition and by a serotonin agonist. Agonist treatment produced a response of the enzyme activity at early stages of development in normal and malnourished brains. The induction of 5-HT changes through malnutrition could be playing an important role in the development and maturation of Na+-K+-ATPase activity, and brain 5-HT receptors could possibly be involved in such a response.