Postnatal Alterations in Cerebellar GABA Content, GABA Uptake and Morphology following Exposure to Carbon Monoxide Early in Development

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Rats were exposed to either 0, 75,150 or 300 ppm carbon monoxide (CO) from the day of conception until 10 days after birth. Exposure to CO resulted in significant deficits in cerebellar weight and deficits in total cerebellar content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) among rats at 10 days and 21 days after birth. Total cerebellar high-affinity 3H-GABA uptake was decreased among rats exposed to 300 ppm at 21 days of age, while total high-affinity 3H-glutamate uptake was unaffected. Moreover, cerebella of rats exposed to 300 ppm had fewer fissures, although major fissures were of normal depth, when examined histologically at 21 days of age. These results identify developmental processes involving GABAergic neuronal maturation and foliation of the cerebellum as vulnerable to early CO exposure.