Na+, K+-ATPase in Developing Rat Brain during Undernutrition

Abstract

Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was studied in developing rat brain during undernutrition. The activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was significantly lower in animals that were undernourished from 6 to 17 days after birth than in well-nourished controls. The decreased activity of the enzyme was partially recovered after 4 weeks of rehabilitation. No change in the cation contents of brain following undernutrition was observed. The decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity was possibly due to the reduction in cholesterol contents and could be responsible for the observed functional changes associated with malnutrition or undernutrition during development.