Abstract | INTRODUCTION: Recent research indicates an important role in the placental fetal brain axis, with a paucity of information reported in large animals. Melatonin supplementation has been investigated as a potential therapeutic to negate fetal growth restriction. We hypothesized that maternal nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation would alter neurotransmitter pathways in fetal blood, cotyledonary and hypothalamus tissue. METHODS: On day 160 of gestation, Brangus heifers (n = 29 in fall study; n = 25 in summer study) were assigned to one of four treatments: adequately fed (ADQ-CON; 100% NRC recommendation), nutrient restricted (RES-CON; 60% NRC recommendation), and ADQ or RES supplemented with 20 mg/d of melatonin (ADQ-MEL; RES-MEL). Placentomes, fetal blood, and hypothalamic tissue were collected at day 240 of gestation. Neurotransmitters were analyzed in fetal blood and fetal and placental tissues. Transcript abundance of genes in the serotonin pathway and catecholamine pathway were determined in fetal hypothalamus and placental cotyledon. RESULTS: DISCUSSION: In conclusion, these data indicate novel evidence of the presence of neurotransmitters and their synthesis and metabolism in the bovine conceptus, which could have greater implications in establishing postnatal behavior.
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Authors | Allison R Harman, Zully E Contreras-Correa, Riley D Messman, Rebecca M Swanson, Caleb O Lemley |
Journal | Placenta
(Placenta)
Vol. 131
Pg. 13-22
(01 2023)
ISSN: 1532-3102 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 36469958
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Melatonin
- Serotonin
- Neurotransmitter Agents
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cattle
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Fetus
(metabolism)
- Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Melatonin
(pharmacology)
- Nutrients
- Placenta
(metabolism)
- Serotonin
(metabolism)
- Neurotransmitter Agents
(chemistry, pharmacology)
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